Teaching your children about the importance of good oral health is a valuable lesson that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Just like any other daily routine, maintaining good dental hygiene practices is a habit, and the earlier you start with your kids, the better. Here are some fun ways to education your little ones about the importance of good oral health.
- When your children are babies, get them accustomed to oral care by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth. Be sure to make this an enjoyable experience for your baby, so that from this very early age, your child can begin to associate oral health care with pleasant things – like the soothing sound of your voice, playful interaction before and after wiping the gums, and loving snuggles afterward.
- Start dental visits early. This may not sound like “fun” for your child, but the truth is that a toddler who is 2 or 3 years old (the age at which dental checkups should begin) won’t have any fear about visiting the dentist, and you can actually make it fun for your little one by choosing a good “family dentist” who understands how to make little ones feel at ease in the office. Allow your child to take his or her favorite toy to the office, and reward him or her afterward with their favorite healthy treat.
- As kids grow into young children, you can begin to really educate them about the importance of good oral health. Choose fun books, videos and online games and apps that are not only fun, but also great tools to teach the importance of healthy teeth and gums.
- At about this same age – usually between 4 and 6 years old – your children can begin taking care of their teeth and gums on their own (with your supervision, of course). Make brushing and flossing fun by choosing children-themed toothbrushes, and flavored toothpastes and mouth rinses.
- Check out more fun ideas at https://www.mouthhealthy.org, a website created by the American Dental Association (ADA) specifically to teach children about good oral health in a fun, interesting way.
And, of course, always remember to be a good role model for your kids by taking care of your own teeth and gums each and every day, and by visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular oral exams and professional cleanings. Ensuring that your children enjoy a lifetime of good oral health all begins with you!
