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SEVEN TIPS TO ENCOURAGE ORAL HYGIENE IN YOUR CHILDREN

One of the best things that you can do is make sure that your child develops good oral hygiene habits as soon as possible. Here are a few tips for ensuring that your child learns how to take proper care of their teeth and gums.

 

Tip 1: Take Your Child to a Dentist at an Early Age

Make sure that your child begins visiting a dentist at an early age to avoid any dental problems later. A dentist will examine your child’s mouth along with collecting medical images to determine if there are any congenital abnormalities that require intervention with special techniques. Early visits to a dentist can also keep a child from developing a fear of dental procedures such as professional cleanings.

Tip 2: Take Your Child to a Store to Buy Oral Health Care Supplies

Arrange a special trip to the store so that your child can choose a toothbrush that has their favorite cartoon character. There are also toothbrushes that make music or sounds while a child brushes their teeth. While buying a toothbrush, look for kid-friendly toothpaste that is in delicious flavors such as strawberry or grape. Young children can also benefit from using dental floss that has a tasty flavor such as cherry or orange.

Tip 3: Make Brushing Teeth Fun for a Child

If your child resists brushing and flossing, then make it fun by playing music while she flosses and brushes. Some children enjoy being silly while performing oral hygiene, so if your child wants to make funny faces while looking in the mirror, then it is okay.

Tip 4: Help Your Child Look into a Mirror

Place a mirror at a lower level in a bathroom so that your child can se themselves easily while brushing or flossing their teeth. Alternatively, you can have a small step stool in the bathroom that your child can use while looking in the mirror over the sink.

Tip 5: Brush Your Own Teeth

While your child is brushing their teeth, you can brush your own teeth so that your child understands the process. Make comments about how much better your teeth look and your mouth tastes after you have brushed your teeth.

Tip 6: Plan Fun Activities about Dental Hygiene

There are numerous ways to make learning about dental hygiene fun, including:

  •  Printing worksheets about brushing and flossing from free internet websites
  •  Buying coloring books about oral health care
  •  Finding books about dental care at the library
  •  Watching videos about dental hygiene
  •  Visiting a children’s museum that has a dental hygiene display
  •  Helping your child brush the family pet’s teeth
  •  Making crafts about the teeth and gums

Tip 7: Reward Systems for Brushing and Flossing

Make a reward system wall hanging for the bathroom where you can apply stickers after your child brushes and flosses their teeth. When the board is full, take your child someplace special such as the movie theater or a petting zoo.

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