Dental health should be something the entire family is involved in when it comes to teaching. Anyone that has children knows that they are constantly mimicking what they see. Here are four suggestions on creating a great dental habit.
Create a tooth brushing routine together
Just because your kid is old enough to put on her pajamas doesn’t mean she should be little Miss Independent in the bathroom. Make tooth brushing a do-together activity. Anyone that has children knows that they are constantly mimicking what they see. When you brush together, she can mirror all your smooth brushing moves, and you’re making sure that no corners are being cut!
Choose the right tooth tools.
Make sure that you are using the correct toothpaste for your child. A fluoride toothpaste should not be introduced until you are sure that your child is old enough and will not simply ingest the toothpaste. When picking a toothbrush, dentists recommend a brush that has soft to medium bristles, has a flat head and handle, and easily fits into your mouth. You do not want to use a brush that is to big. And be sure to replace those toothbrushes often! Mom and dad should change toothbrushes four times a year and your children’s toothbrushes even more frequently. And don’t forget to floss! Try to find a flavored dental floss that your kid can actually get into. They also now have handheld flossers that you can find almost anywhere that are easy for kids to use.
Establish healthy eating habits.
Nothing fights tooth decay like eating the right foods. Teeth are actually denser than the rest of the bones in your body. So to keep your teeth strong, maintain a family diet that’s rich in calcium with foods like lowfat yogurt and cheese sticks, and yes, all those green, leafy veggies! And remember to keep sweet treats and desserts to a minimum.
Find a great family dentist.
The best way to make sure your kid doesn’t dread the dentist? Pick a great pediatric dentist who can treat the whole family. That way, you can make your appointments together. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) says to avoid using alarming words like pain, hurt, drill, shots, etc., when discussing the dentist. You want to make visits to the dentist a positive experience.
Above article from www.starsmilez.com
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