Maintaining excellent oral health is a family affair. When parents and children practice good dental habits together, it creates a supportive environment that encourages lifelong healthy routines. Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips from our Teddington dentists:
Â
Top Tips for Creating Healthy Dental Habits
1. Establish a Regular Brushing and Flossing Schedule
Consistency is key to good oral hygiene. Children should brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, using fluoride toothpaste.
It’s important that children brush for a minimum of 2 minutes and are assisted with brushing up to age 7 – a bathroom timer can help with this!
Ensure your children use a toothpaste with a strength of 1000ppm fluoride from 0-2 years, and 1450ppm thereafter.
Make this a family event where everyone brushes their teeth together. This not only ensures that everyone is brushing properly, but also makes it a fun and engaging activity.
Flossing is equally important as it removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline where a toothbrush can't reach. Teach your children to floss once a day, and join in the routine to set a good example. Using floss picks or water flossers can make the process easier and more enjoyable for younger kids.
2. Set Goals for Cavity-Free Check-Ups
Regular dental check-ups are crucial in preventing cavities and other dental problems. Set family goals for cavity-free visits to the dentist. Schedule these check-ups at least twice a year. These visits help in detecting any issues early on and provide an opportunity for professional cleaning, which keeps everyone's teeth and gums in top shape.
Rewarding your children for maintaining good oral health can be a great motivation. Rewards can be simple, like a sticker or a small toy, or even a fun family outing.
3. Model Healthy Habits as Parents
Children are keen observers and often mimic their parents' behaviours. By demonstrating good oral hygiene habits, parents can positively influence their children. Show your children how to brush and floss correctly, and let them see you doing it regularly.
Discuss the importance of oral health openly and explain why it's essential to maintain these habits.
In addition to daily routines, parents should also adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products (or non-dairy with added calcium), which are beneficial for oral health. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can significantly reduce the risk of cavities.
Encourage your children to drink water, especially after meals, to help wash away food particles and reduce opportunities for plaque to build up.
4. Make Oral Hygiene Fun
Transforming oral hygiene into an enjoyable activity can motivate children to stick to their routines. Use colourful toothbrushes, kid-friendly toothpaste flavours, and fun timers to make brushing and flossing more appealing. Some electric toothbrushes even play music or have character themes that children love.
Create a progress chart to track brushing and flossing habits. Children can add stickers or marks every time they complete their oral hygiene tasks. This visual representation can be a powerful motivator.
5. Educate and Empower
Educating children about the importance of dental health empowers them to take charge of their own hygiene. Use age-appropriate books, videos, and apps to teach them about the consequences of poor oral hygiene and the benefits of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Encourage questions and provide clear, simple answers to help them understand the ‘why’ behind their routines. This knowledge not only fosters good habits but also builds a foundation for lifelong dental health awareness.
By incorporating these family-friendly dental care tips, parents can significantly improve their children's oral health while also enhancing their own. Book an appointment with Church Road Dental Care Centre in Teddington now for your family.
Have you heard that we offer children’s NHS dental services? Learn more now and register with us today by calling our helpful reception team on 0208 977 3746.
Â
Â
Comments