Oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion children and adults included. Teaching your child about their oral health now can benefit their lives as adults. It’s important to start while they’re early, though.
After all, over 530 million children have dental cavities in their primary teeth.
Before your child develops a cavity, use these tips from your pediatric dentist in Nashville, TN. Instilling these good dental habits for kids while they’re young will set them up for a better future.
Help your child improve their oral health with these simple tips today!
1. Start While They’re Young
If you want your child to recognize the importance of prioritizing their oral health, it’s important to start while they’re young. Otherwise, any bad habits they form (like going to bed without brushing) can become routine.
Instead, consider scheduling your child’s first check-up with their pediatric dentist in Nashville, TN. They should have their first visit by their first birthday.
Otherwise, you might want to take them in around the time they’re six months old. Around this time, their first tooth should come in.
If you notice problems like white spots or bleeding, take your child to an emergency pediatric dentist in town right away.
2. Act as a Role Model
Why should you instill these good dental habits for kids while your child is still young? Children tend to mimic their parents. With that in mind, you might want to make oral health care a family-fun routine.
For example, you can show your child how you brush your teeth. Make sure they’re holding their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Then, they should brush back and forth with short, gentle strokes.
Brushing too hard could cause their gums to bleed.
Brush your teeth alongside your child every morning and night. They might start mimicking your behavior. Don’t forget to floss!
Brushing and flossing every day will keep plaque from forming. Otherwise, plaque can cling to the teeth, increasing the risk of cavities or gum disease.
As you teach your child about dental care, make sure they understand the consequences of not brushing, too. If you’ve had a cavity in the past, tell them about your experience. They can learn from your life lessons to avoid making dental health mistakes.
3. Make Routines Fun
If you want to help your child improve their dental health, make oral health care fun!
First, consider finding a cute toothbrush or other oral health care products with their favorite characters on them. Consider finding electric brushes that have built-in timers installed. Some brushes will even play music as your child brushes their teeth.
You can also consider using a water flosser, which might make it easier for them to floss.
If your child isn’t a fan of mint, consider choosing flavors they like (such as bubblegum).
If your child’s daily dental routine is too “boring” to them, help them look forward to it instead! Once it’s a fun event, they’ll have an easier time sticking to the routine.
4. Play Music
You can also make your child’s oral healthcare routine a little more fun by playing music. Play songs that are at least two minutes long. Then, have your child brush for the full length of the song.
If they’re still feeling bored or uninspired, have them dance! Dance alongside them to turn brushing into a mini dance party. They’ll look forward to spending time with you and brushing your teeth.
Once your child begins improving their dental care, make sure to reward their successes!
For example, you can keep track of how often they brush with a sticker chart. Once they reach a week-long streak, consider giving them a reward. Try to avoid using candy as an incentive, though.
Consider taking your child out to the movies instead!
5. Improve Their Diet
The next time you visit your pediatric dentist in Nashville, TN, ask for ways you can improve your child’s oral health. They might recommend a list of teeth-healthy foods you can add to your child’s diet. These foods will help improve the appearance of your smile.
For example, your dentist might recommend your child eat dairy products, celery, and apples. These foods will promote saliva production. More saliva can fight off germs to help protect your child’s teeth.
Think about the foods your child eats that might have a negative impact on their oral health, too. For example, you might want to minimize their intake of sugary beverages. Too much candy and ice cream can impact their smiles as well.
6. Consider Their Tools
During your appointment with a Nashville, TN pediatric dentist, talk about the tools your child uses. For example, you can discuss their toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
Make sure to choose oral health care products that were designed with kids in mind. Consider how often you switch out their brush, too. Your child should get a new brush every three months.
7. Make Appointments Exciting
Make sure you’re scheduling routine appointments with your pediatric dentist in Nashville, TN. Your dentist can track the progress of your child’s tooth development. If they notice any problems, you can begin treatment right away.
You can also talk to your pediatric dentist about preventative measures. For example, they might recommend fluoride or dental sealant. Ask them for recommendations based on your child’s age or stage in development.
Otherwise, make sure to make every visit to the dentist exciting!
For example, you can tell your child they can rave about their new dental care routine. You can have your child show off their stunning smile with pride. They’ll feel eager to visit the dentist to show off their progress.
Stunning Smiles: Visit Your Pediatric Dentist in Nashville, TN Today
Help your child improve their oral health this year! Teach them how to maintain a healthy smile with these good dental habits for kids. Make sure to schedule appointments with their pediatric dentist in Nashville, TN, too.
With these tips, you can set your child up for success as a result!
Eager to schedule your child’s next appointment? We can’t wait to see you!
Contact us today to get started.