As cliché as it may be, most parents naturally want the very best for their children, especially when it comes to oral health. Studies have shown that good oral hygiene, when taught at a young age, can extend well into adulthood. But how do you encourage good oral health habits in a toddler? Well, we have to make brushing fun for our kids, and in this article, we will go over 3 of the main tenets for achieving a bright, healthy smile for your child.

1. LEADING BY EXAMPLE

“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” This quote is one coined by singer-songwriter, Mike Murdock and can easily be applied to most things in life, especially when comes to instilling good habits in our children. As a parent, you should create a routine for your child that includes brushing at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste.

You may also want to set a timer, ensuring that your child is brushing for a minimum of 2 minutes. Also, you can brush your teeth alongside your child, which allows them to observe proper brushing techniques. After all, most children tend to naturally mimic the behaviors of others, especially their parents. Lastly, because food particles can get stuck in-between teeth, take a few moments to encourage your child to floss.

2. AVOIDING SUGAR-LADENED SNACKS AND DRINKS

Depriving your children of their favorite sugary foods and drinks is no easy task, but it is necessary, especially if your goal is for them to have strong, healthy teeth. Too much sugar can spell disaster for your child’s dental health; that said, there are healthier alternatives, which can just as easily satisfy your child’ sweet tooth without jeopardizing their teeth. For example, you can provide them with sugar-free or naturally sweetened juices. Also, you can swap sodas for flavored, carbonated water.

3. DENTAL CHECK-UPS

You may have heard the term “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” it is an aphorism that suggests that it is far easier to stop something from happening than it is to correct it after it has already occurred. This is a saying that can easily be applied to dental health; along with good in-home oral care, you should be scheduling regular dental exams for your child.

Although your child may not be complaining of tooth pain, it does not mean that they don’t have cavities; regular dental exams are a great way to detect cavities and other dental problems early. If you haven’t already scheduled a dental exam for your child, consider scheduling one with us today.