How To Help Your Children Take Care Of Their Smiles

While taking care of your adult teeth is important, as parents, it’s crucial that you encourage your children to take good care of their teeth (and, by extension, their smiles). After all, a recent study from the CDC found “more than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.” 

Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash

This article will explore some simple ways to help your children take better care of their smiles!

• Supervised brushing. As your children get older, they’ll begin to do more of their evening and morning routines independently. However, when they’re a little younger, be sure to supervise them when they are brushing their teeth. This way, you can ensure they are using the right brushing techniques and brushing for the right amount of time (approximately two minutes).

• Talk about good dental hygiene. Talking about good dental hygiene practices (and the importance of these tasks) is another great way to take care of your child’s smile. This is because they’ll better understand why they are being asked to brush their teeth, as opposed to it feeling like a chore. 

• Visit the dentist annually. Children should visit the dentist annually, though their visits may need to be more frequent if they’re dealing with toothache or dental complaints. This means that you need to check out the dental clinics in your local area and find the best practice for you and your family. 

• Use an electric toothbrush. Investing in an electric toothbrush can help users maintain better dental hygiene, as it allows for more effective cleaning.

• Take the fear out of going to the dentist. Approximately 16% of school-age children have a fear of the dentist, which often means they are reluctant to attend appointments or get worked up when they do. Working to combat these fears can make the experience much more pleasant for your child. For example, you could read books or watch TV shows that destigmatize dentists’ visits, showing them that there is nothing to worry about. 

• Use the right toothpaste. Using the right toothpaste is crucial when it comes to keeping your teeth looking your best. For children, it’s best to use toothpaste that has a very low concentration of fluoride or one that is completely fluoride-free. According to Dentists Kissimmee, this is because toothpastes that are high in fluoride can cause fluorosis. However, your dentist will be able to give you advice on which product is best! 

• Follow a healthy diet. Healthy living and eating a healthy diet that does not contain high amounts of sugar can also help you protect your family’s pearly whites. This is one instance where there’s a lot to be gained from leading by example, ensuring that your own diet is as well-balanced as possible. 

• Ensure they know the signs of cavities. Ensuring your child knows the signs of cavities, such as toothache or sensitivity when eating/drinking, means they can let you know they need to see the dentist right away. As such, it is important that they’re able to recognize when something is wrong!