Teaching Your Child About Their Mouth

Learning about the mouth can be a great way to encourage healthy oral hygiene habits. Talking about the mouth and all of the things that it can do also helps educate children about their body functions as well, including the digestive process. Fun facts are a great way to break the ice to start the conversation, and tongue tricks can be fun too! Below are some additional suggestions to help you teach your child about his or her mouth, straight from a pediatric dentist in Brooklyn.

Using Games and Pictures

Games are a great way to encourage children to learn. For children between eight and 11, a game that points out each part of the mouth may be helpful. You can incorporate diagrams, pictures, or use an interactive video. Explain the functions of each part of the mouth as you review the picture to help your child understand and retain information. Memory games and guessing games may work well too. A kid’s dentist may have additional ideas as well.

One such idea is a “sleuthing” game. Once your child has learned the basics, you can suggest clues based on function and appearance so your child can play detective and determine the part of the mouth that matches the clues. Be sure to point out that good oral health involves more than just brushing your teeth; it also includes cleaning the tongue and gums too! Talk to your pediatric dentist about suggestions regarding fun, themed toothpaste that might help with this process as well.

Pairing Mouth Anatomy with Reading

You and your child can create a storybook that will encourage good oral hygiene. The little booklet can tell the story of a little boy or girl that ate candy every day and ended up with a blue tongue, sore throat, and yellow teeth. This type of story is a great way to learn about oral hygiene because it not only talks about mouth anatomy, it also discourages eating too much candy. The story should end with a trip to the pediatric dentist for a checkup. This type of activity works best for younger children from about 4 to 7.

Teaching kids about their mouth does not have to be boring. Be creative and encourage your child to use good oral hygiene all the time. Part of that routine is visiting your pediatric dentist. Call to schedule an appointment for your child today.