Encouraging Oral Hygiene for Your Child

From the moment children are born, parents strive to ensure that they grow up happy and healthy. Teaching reading and writing or how to wash and dress are all ways you can set your offspring up for future success. In addition, good oral hygiene is a vital habit to instill in your child. The earlier your child becomes accustomed to caring for their teeth, the more likely they will keep doing this into adulthood.

Tooth brushing does not come naturally for children. The act of putting a toothbrush in the mouth feels foreign and uncomfortable. In addition, tooth brushing could seem an unwelcome distraction from play to a child.

Young children cannot be expected to understand how brushing stops the build-up of plaque and tartar, preventing cavities and gingivitis down the line. Engineered Smiles has the following suggestions to make dental care a positive experience for you and your child.

Make Brushing Fun

Tooth brushing seems a tedious activity next to the allure of toys or cartoon shows. Even five minutes of brushing time can feel like an eternity to a child compared to activities they enjoy. Bring playtime into oral hygiene by letting your child choose their own toothbrush featuring a favorite superhero or color.

Some toothbrushes play a tune to let your child time their brushing or look online for a song to sing together. Children’s’ taste buds are very sensitive, so adult toothpaste may have an overwhelming flavor. Choose a fluoride-rich children’s toothpaste with a neutral or fruit flavor to make the experience more pleasant.

Lead By Example

Every child wants to feel “grown-up” and emulate mommy and daddy. If you are inclined to skip tooth brushing due to being tired or in a rush, your child will assume it is not an important task. Set aside time in the morning and evening to brush and floss with your child. Show that you care about your oral health by choosing sugar-free snacks and drinks and offer the same to your children. If you are enthusiastic about dental care, they will be too!

Come to Engineered Smiles for Child-friendly Checkups

At Engineered Smiles, we want to make visiting the dentist a positive experience for your child. We know how to engage with children to keep them happy and relaxed, setting the stage for a life of well-kept teeth.

Contact our office in Marietta today for an appointment. Children are welcome from the age of one or the moment their first tooth emerges.