As adults, we know the importance of taking care of our teeth and gums for both oral health and overall health. However, it can be slightly more challenging to teach our children the importance of dental hygiene. Even still, the earlier they begin developing these necessary habits, the healthier they will be throughout their life.
Hands-On Activities
One of the best ways to get kids excited about dental hygiene is by providing them with a hands-on, fun way to learn about it. For instance, you can find and use things like 3D mouth models and diagrams to teach about the different parts of the mouth and why oral hygiene is so important. You can get a toothbrush and allow children to brush the teeth of the mouth model so they can practice.
Use Songs and Rhymes
Who doesn't love a good song? Music is an excellent way to get kids into the habit of taking good care of their teeth. Perhaps it's humming the alphabet or the "Happy Birthday" song to remember how long to brush their teeth or having their favorite song playing while they're flossing and rinsing. Music is a tried and true method to connect healthy oral habits with entertainment and fun.
Children's Books
Plenty of books out there teach kids about good oral health and visiting the dentist. Books are a fantastic way to spend some quality time together and inspire them to improve their dental hygiene habits at the same time. Whether you use them as part of a daily exercise, a bedtime story, or just to teach little lessons about good oral health, books are a beneficial tool.
Kid-Friendly Videos
It should come as no surprise that most children love watching videos on their favorite media platforms. Taking some time to watch some fun, family-friendly videos about oral hygiene can help teach and motivate your child to take part in their own dental health. They might enjoy the videos and perhaps even start practicing some of the skills they learn from the videos on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dental Hygiene
How Often Does My Child Need to See the Pediatric Dentist?
In general, your child should have a dental checkup at least once every six months to prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you how often your child should be seen based on their personal oral health.
What Should You Use to Clean a Baby's Teeth?
When caring for a baby’s teeth, it's essential to use a toothbrush to remove plaque bacteria that can lead to harmful tooth decay. You can use any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for use with infants. Brush their teeth at least once a day at bedtime.
Dream Smiles Makes Your Child's Dental Health a Priority
The professionals at Dream Smiles are ready to partner with you to give your child the best and healthiest smile possible. Contact Dream Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Gaithersburg at 301-327-1003 or online to schedule an appointment today.