What Should You Do to Establish Healthy Dental Habits in Children?

There are hundreds of kids living in Tennessee who are suffering from some type of dental problem. As a parent or guardian, it is your duty to establish healthy oral habits in your children because it will significantly minimize their chances of having dental problems and help them maintain good overall oral hygiene. It is suggested that you visit a dentist in Maryville, TN if you or your children are facing any dental-related issues because delaying them may make them worse. Now, here are some necessary habits that one needs to establish in their children when it comes to dental oral care:

Regular brushing and flossing

It is important that you teach your children to brush their teeth twice a day, preferably after breakfast and the second time before going to bed with fluoride-based toothpaste. Tell them to brush gently and maintain a circular motion while brushing to clean all tooth surfaces and gumline. Also, teach them to floss once a day to remove any plaque and food particles between the teeth.

Supervised brushing for young children

Until children are old and capable enough to brush their teeth on their own effectively, parents should supervise and assist their kids with brushing. As a parent, you need to help them learn the proper way or technique and make sure that they reach and clean all corners of their mouth.

Use proper tools

Children’s teeth are relatively more fragile. It is suggested that you provide your children with brushes and dental floss that are appropriate for their age. Choose a brush that has a small head that fits easily inside a child’s mouth, and the bristles should be soft and small. Consider fun, colorful toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste to make brushing an enjoyable routine for them.

Limit sugary foods and drinks.

You need to educate your children about the harmful effects of consuming sugary foods and drinks on their teeth as well as their overall health. Encourage your children to opt for healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables rather than sugary alternatives. Limiting such sugary foods and drinks can help prevent tooth decay and cavities in your children’s mouths.

Encourage drinking water

Apart from having a positive impact on overall health, water is also really beneficial for dental health. Encourage your children to drink a plethora of water throughout the day, especially after their meals and snacks, so that it rinses away any food particles that get stuck between the teeth and potentially become a cause for tooth decay.

Tell them it is completely safe to visit a dentist!

Regular visits to a dentist for check-ups can help monitor the oral development of your children, identify any underlying dental-related issues, and address them before they become worse.