Why it’s important to teach your child good oral hygiene

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month--an important time to focus on and teach your child the necessity of good oral hygiene. Maintaining a healthy mouth is vital for all ages, but is especially essential for youngsters when their mouth is vulnerable and adult teeth are coming in. In fact, more than half of children will be affected by tooth decay before the age of five, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to future health issues and costly bills, something that can be difficult to explain to a child, but can also be prevented or reduced with the proper care.

Brushing at least twice a day and regular flossing can seem like an unnecessary chore to kids. Here are some ways to teach your children good oral hygiene habits and the importance of a healthy mouth: 

Be a good role model.  Kids learn from example, so be sure that they see their parents regularly brushing and flossing. Show them how long to brush, what areas and the best way to floss. Explain that brushing will get rid of bacteria while flossing gets all of the food and gunk out of your teeth. You may want to help your kids with flossing until they get the hang of it.

Make it fun.  Oral hygiene doesn’t have to be boring. Teach your kids about the importance of oral hygiene with fun activities. For example, putting an egg in soda for 24 hours will stain it and show what sugar can do to enamel. Encourage your children to brush the egg with toothpaste and explain what happened to the egg and what happens in the mouth. Other activities and worksheets are available online for continued education.

Motivate with music. Everyone should brush for at least two full minutes, but unfortunately that is rarely the case. To teach kids to brush thoroughly and take their time, music can be a great motivator. Check out the information on our Family Services page that includes a link to a list of songs for kids to brush to.

Schedule regular cleanings. Staying accountable is an important part of teaching your child good oral hygiene. Make sure to book regular teeth cleanings to build a positive relationship between your child and their dentist.

Explaining to kids what cavities and gum disease are beginning at an early age and meeting with a dentist to learn what the treatment is like will help them keep oral hygiene a priority. Challenge your kids to take the 2-2-2 pledge in the month of February and beyond: Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss twice a day. Healthy treats and fun outings can be rewards for good oral hygiene. Instilling good habits with your children from the beginning will stick with them as they become adults,  and ultimately help determine their future health.

Children should begin to visit the dentist regularly by the age of 3. At Artistic Dental we provide comprehensive dental care for all ages. To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. John Dougherty or Dr. Prabhidi Adhikari, contact us today at (602) 840 – 5400.