8 Dental Tips For Kids
As parents we understand the importance of good dental habits and do our best to teach our children. As a pediatric dentist, I couldn’t stress enough the importance of developing healthy dental hygiene early in life. Healthy adult teeth start with healthy kids’ teeth, and if you manage to pass down the love for and importance of dental hygiene to your children, you’ll be way ahead of the game.
On the flipside, untreated dental problems can compromise a child’s ability to focus, eat well, sleep, and play. Small problems can turn into diseases, which extend long after childhood. So, start now!
1. Make It Fun
If your kids enjoy taking care of their teeth, they are more likely to do it and do it well. That’s why this is number one on my list. Don’t make it a chore. Make it fun! Brush and floss together. Take a trip to the store to pick out a toothbrush they like and a toothpaste they enjoy. Kids may not like minty toothpaste, but more likely than not there’s a fruity flavor they love. Sing or play a funny song to them as they brush or floss to build positive associations. Read an entertaining children’s book that encourages healthy oral care habits. And lastly, like with anything else, reward positive behavior.
2. Be A Role Model
Teach by example. Show off your pearly whites to your kids after brushing. Brush together with them! Tell them great things about your trip to the dentist. Be a positive role model — this is the best way to teach.
3. Eat Healthy
Avoiding sugary drinks and foods not only helps overall health but also reduces cavities. When sugar is allowed to sit on teeth, it can create decay. Talk to your kids about the importance of eating healthy and having strong beautiful teeth to enjoy the things they love and smile through life.
4. Brush Twice A Day
We all tend to rush in the morning, but ideally your kid should brush his/her teeth for as long as it takes to sing the “happy birthday” song twice (or at least 2 minutes). Teach your kid to give attention to every tooth — front and back. Keep in mind that children will continue to need help brushing their teeth usually until age 5 or 6.
5. Keep Regular Check-ups
Visits to the dentist every six months help keep your child’s smile sparkling and healthy. Surprise your child after the appointment with some fun and special activity. Head to the park or partake in some other healthy activity they enjoy.
6. Floss and Rinse After Meals
While brushing teeth properly and consistently helps to remove most dental plaque, it can’t get to hard-to-reach places like between the teeth. For this reason, I usually recommend flossing to kids of 2+ years old and rinsing after every meal.
7. Drink Lots Of Water
Teach your kids to love drinking water rather than sugary drinks or juices. Kids are more likely to drink water if it’s readily available to them, so pack a fun colorful water bottle in their lunch box or hand it to them when they’re home. Lots of water throughout the day is a great way to protect the teeth.
8. Use The Right Amount Of Toothpaste
All too often, I see parents using way too much toothpaste for their children. Remember, their mouths and teeth are smaller. And until they learn to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it, practice caution. Use a pea-sized amount until you’re sure that they are spitting it out in full.
I am Dr. Yury Slepak, and I am known as the best kids dentist in Brooklyn. Call today to schedule your appointment: 718.998.2424. Our office is located at 2464 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn NY. I look forward to seeing you!