Dental Health : Teaching Children How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

By Kemi Jones


Teeth are meant to last our whole lives, but for many they do not, often due to poor maintenance; thus helping children withgood dental care is giving them a gift to last a lifetime (and is then well worth the effort).

The knowledge of dental health in youngsters is very important. Ideally your kid brushes his teeth twice per day (including flossing) without your reminder, if so, you are one of the luckiest parents around, because that happens rarely. Kids are always so stubborn to take good care of their teeth but yet they all love to munch on candies and chocolate! It is the job of any parent to help maintain good oral hygiene in their child. How then do we teach youngsters ways to keep good oral hygiene.

Tips for parents about teaching your children good dental care

Children from 6 months to 6 years: The earlier the child becomes acclimatized to the toothbrush and toothpaste, the better. The parents should serve as a role model, which implies they also need to honestly care for their teeth. The first time you teach your child how to brush, do it in the mirror, showing how to hold the brush. By 3 years your kid will be able to learn the basic brush strokes. Rehearse brushing with toys, invent stories about characters that are always looking after their teeth. Try cleaning your teeth with the music, so that it is simple to make the learning fun.

Children from 6 to 12 years: This period is one of the most important in making sure your youngster learns the foundation of dental health. The truth is that after 6-7 years, the first permanent teeth come in. They are found just behind the baby teeth. Remember, these teeth are permanent and they won't get replaced! If they rot or fall out, it's forever, and costly to replace (implants). Thus brushing and flossing is well worth 2 minutes a day, to your child and your pocket book (and their wallet later on in life, once they leave your home).

Remind your youngster, (especially when dating) that folks like other people who've fresh breath. Additional vital dental care points:

- Do not let your child continually drink sweet things but instead, only occasionally, especially before bedtime. Sugar will stick to the front teeth, and do their decaying work.
- Babies are recommended to drink regular water, not colas or juices.
- Carry out the procedure of teaching your child how to brush twice per day and Floss daily. Establish that such oral cleanliness is extremely effective.
- Restrict intake of raisins, fruit and other foods containing a high density of sugar or it will stick to the teeth.

Educating children about dental care doesn't occur overnite. Of course, this process will take time, but with some followthrough you'll be able to show him about dental health which is so necessary to his general health. Do not give up and bide your time! Also, be sure to get in contact your insurance company, as many policies include very young children's dental cleanings, so they will not be afraid of the dentist as they get mature.




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