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Good dental hygiene for kids is more than just a good idea – it is essential for a long life of health and happiness. Leaning about the importance of good dental practices in children, teaching those practices to your kids so they can form good habits early on, and recruiting some help from professionals who specialize in dentistry for kids in Lone Tree, CO, will help you set your child up for dental success. Start Them Early You don’t need to wait until your child has all of his or her adult teeth (or even all of their baby teeth) to teach them good habits. The earlier you begin having your child brush their teeth and form healthy habits, the more likely they are to stick to those habits and routines for the rest of their lives. Children’s minds are malleable and ready to learn, so by instilling good habits at a very young age, you will give them tools to take care of their health for years to come. Start with shorter sessions, explaining the benefits of taking care of your teeth in an age-appropriate way. Teach them to enjoy brushing rather than resenting it. By making it a pleasant experience, those habits will be more fully ingrained. Health Benefits People often care for their teeth in the hopes of attaining a white, bright, and brilliant smile. While a beautiful smile is great for your confidence, self-esteem, and physical appearance, it is also a key component of good health. Healthy teeth allow children and adults to eat healthy foods, nourishing their bodies and keeping them in good health. Good oral hygiene also helps to prevent various gum diseases, tooth problems, and mouth cancers. Cavities and caries are all-too-common in societies full of sugary snacks and drinks, and keeping the tissues in your mouth healthy and strong prevents unwanted bacteria from entering your body. Brushing Correctly If you are going teach your kids how to care for their mouth, teeth, and gums in order to maximize the health benefits, it is important to teach them how to do things correctly. Misconceptions are very common, and people (especially children) often skimp when it comes to time spent on their oral hygiene. Brushing teeth should take at least two minutes. Keep your kids actively brushing, hitting all surfaces of the teeth. On the other hand, make sure your children don’t overdo it, since brushing for longer than a few minutes can actually be damaging to teeth. Use a toothbrush that is appropriately sized for your child’s mouth, checking out the different sizes and using trial and error when necessary. Try to get your kids in the habit of brushing two to three times per day. When brushing is not possible after each meal (due to time or location), try to have your child rinse their mouth with water to prevent sugar and food from sitting on their teeth for long periods of time. In addition to brushing, start teaching your kids the importance of flossing when you think they are ready for it. Tips and Tricks for Teaching Children To help your kids have greater success with their dental hygiene, try making brushing fun. Children’s toothbrushes com in fun colors or shaped like animals or cartoon characters. To help them continue to brush for long enough, you can try using a timer or song (there are even apps for that) to help keep them on track. Some people find success with trying different games or activities to keep their kids engaged. Recruit help from professionals who specialize in dentistry for kids in Lone Tree, CO, to help keep your kids' teeth in the best shape possible.
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