If you’re a parent running after your child every evening so that they brush their teeth before going to bed, you are not alone. This is a common struggle faced by many mothers and fathers. What can make this even more stressful is if your child loves having sugary treats every day.
As a parent, what can you do to make sure their teeth stay healthy as they grow? Here are 5 tips that will help your child have better oral health (and give you greater peace of mind).
1. Frequent Visits to the Dentist
This tip is, by far, the most important. Even if your child does not have any tooth pain, it’s always recommended to visit your dentist every few months for a regular checkup. If your child fears needles or dentists, you’ll need to find a child- friendly dental clinic that you can trust.
2. Set a Routine
Just like the morning ritual of waking up early, taking a shower, and brushing their teeth to get ready for school, setting an evening ritual is just as important. Make sure that it includes brushing their teeth before bed.
If your child has had their braces removed recently, make sure they wear their retainers or nightguards as directed by the dentist. You can even make a checklist of these tasks and hang it in your bathroom to make it easier for your children to remember what they need to do to learn how to take good care of their teeth.
3. Cut Down on Sugar
It is important to cut down on eating sugar and foods that are high in carbohydrates in favour of healthier choices. This is not only a wise move for their teeth but their overall health. They will thank you for promoting healthy eating habits when they become adults!
4. Brushing Isn’t Enough
While brushing your teeth is very important, it may not be done properly, especially if your child insists on doing it themselves. To make sure they have reached all the hard-to-reach places, teach your child the right way of brushing their teeth. Supervise them and encourage them how to clean their teeth correctly.
Children do what they see, so you need to demonstrate how you brush and care for your teeth. In addition, you can add flossing and using a fluoride mouthwash into their dental hygiene routine.
5. Dental Hygiene Products
To make your child look forward to taking care of their teeth, make the process fun for them. Get colorful toothbrushes, flavored toothpaste, and mouthwash. By adding some enjoyment into this process, they are much more likely to look forward to caring for their teeth.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what tips to follow for better dental hygiene for your kids, it’s time to get started! Call your dentist to prevent your child’s teeth from experiencing any wear and tear.
Call our dental clinic in Richmond Hill or text us at (437) 995-0592 to book an appointment for checkup. Your children will love our warm, caring dentists and staff because we know how to make coming to see us a fun experience.
