Dental hygiene is one of the essential practices that everyone should observe. Kids get distracted easily, and it will take time for them to make a habit of ensuring they observe dental hygiene. To ensure they stick to it, you must teach them how to floss and brush their teeth from an early stage.
Apart from freely socializing without fear, they will also avoid health issues such as cavities and gingivitis. As noted by Domyhomework123, teaching a kid good hygiene habits is not an easy task. However, there are ways to help ensure they develop the habits quickly. They include:
Be their role model
Kids are the best at copying the habit of the parent. From watching you do things, they will most definitely mimic what you do. It is an excellent opportunity to instill good values and habits in them, which include dental hygiene. Ensuring you make it a communal thing where you do it together, and even when you forget, the kids will remind you.
Let them brush to music
Some activities might not be appealing to children. But if you let them do it with something they love, it all of a sudden gets exciting. Since brushing require some time, you can ensure they do not get bored by letting them brush to music. Make sure you use a song that they like.
Ensure they are eating healthy
They say prevention is better than cure. It is easier to prevent tooth decay rather than taking care of rotten and cracked teeth. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that you control what your kids eat. You should limit foods with too much sugar since it is the major cause of tooth decay. Also, please give kids food that its nutritional value is to the teeth’ advantage.
Use a reward system
We all love being rewarded for something we do well. This system could also work well in ensuring that the kids stick to the tooth hygiene routine. You should reward your kids if they consistently do an excellent job in keeping their teeth clean.
You should be careful with giving sugary rewards in the process. It is a common practice that sweets are the major things people use for gifts to kids. Find alternative presents that they will appreciate and keep them motivated to keep their teeth clean.
Use children’s oral care products
Most brands package their product intending to attract their target customers. So when dealing with kids, get the floss and toothpaste that will excite them and identify with them. There is kids’ toothpaste that has flavors that your kids might love. Consider things that will make them look forward to the teeth cleaning time.
Make brushing a game
Since kids do not have the full concept and reasons for regular hygiene, consider making it fun for them rather than a chore. They will be inclined to do it more if they see it as a game, and it is a good way for them to learn good hygiene habits easily.
Conclusion
Oral hygiene is essential to one’s self-esteem. Dealing with it at an early stage helps us take care of our teeth always. The above tips will save you several trips to the dentist and enhance your kids’ esteem.
