Caring for your oral health is vital and teaching your children this from a young age is a crucial way to make sure they understand how to care for their teeth properly and understand that going to the dentist (here) is crucial to the upkeep of healthy and strong teeth. While I’m very good at looking after my teeth, my husband has to get implants because his were in such poor condition from not looking after them in his earlier years. If your teeth are in a bad way like my husband’s used to be then take a look at My Implant Dentist Perth to see how they are able to help you. I want to make sure that my toddler takes after me and not my husband so we are teaching him about oral health from a young age.
As your little one progresses into a full blown toddler you have likely seen great changes in his diet from the days of formula and small bits of baby mush. But, along with eating more fruits, veggies and even sugars, comes the need to pay closer attention to the care of your toddler’s teeth in order to ensure good oral hygiene. Even though their baby teeth are going to fall out, baby teeth set the stage for healthy adult teeth and good oral practices on the part of your child which they should continue doing for the rest of their life. Though you still need to make sure that you visit a professional dental clinic like Burwood Dental Care as often as possible, you could make things better for yourself by instilling these practices as early as you can. So, while you teach numbers, letters, and colors, there is no better time to teach your toddler about the importance of good oral hygiene.
Take a look at some best ways you can help to instill good oral habits into your child:
- Let them have a say in their equipment At this young age if something isn’t fun for your child it is likely to not get done. So, keeping that in mind, allow your child to take the reins when it comes to picking a toothbrush and toothpaste. Whether they have a favorite cartoon character they want on their brush, or a certain flavor of toothpaste, these are great ways to get them involved and make brushing their teeth fun. Some toddlers want the excitement of a spin brush with lights or sounds, which is also a great way to get them to want to brush often.?
- Make brushing a group activity Take the time at least once a day to brush alongside your toddler. This not only is a good way to help show them how to properly brush their teeth, but make them aware that everyone else brushes their teeth too. Not to mention, this will make them feel like a big boy or girl by doing what mommy and daddy do.
- Show them how to properly brush At least once per day you want to still manage’ your toddler’s teeth brushing, with the actual toothbrush in hand. While you want them to learn to do it on their own, allowing them to see how you brush their teeth and get all areas of the mouth teaches them that that is what they should be doing. Try showing them how to brush one area of their teeth and then letting them repeat it.
- Take them to a pediatric dentist Any San Diego childrens dentist specializes in making oral care fun and comfortable for kids, which can help to make their regular dental visits more bearable. The positive praise and fun prizes at the end of a great dental visit act as a reward for their brushing in between examinations, which will keep them motivated to continue brushing well.
Teaching good oral hygiene habits is best done early with all children. Not only are they more likely to carry these habits with them for the rest of their life, but this is a perfect age to show children that brushing their teeth twice a day isn’t a chore.
*Image source: http://indrashare.com/teaching-kids-to-brush-their-teeth/
Bri Sherman says
I've found that using a fun timer helps! We just started using a purple or green sand timer and they love to watch all the sand "fall" into the bottom as they brush and they love to yell "DONE" when it is finished. It becomes a race that seems to always last for 2 minutes. 😉
Anna Parks says
Oh I can't wait to teach my little girl how to brush her own teeth. I love when she learns something new.
Colette S says
A very good list.
I especially agree with making it a group effort.
Kory Krucker says
Great web site you’ve got here.. It