All too often, the thought of taking your kids to the dentist results in trepidation and dread. Images of cavities, tears, and admonitions to floss regularly don’t exactly cause excitement or joy. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case, and going to the dentist can actually be a happy and positive experience. It all starts with teaching your kids to take care of their teeth. The help of an experienced dentist can transform your visit from something negative into something overwhelmingly positive. Good oral health habits, professionals experienced in family dentistry, and a few proven tips and tricks will help your kids to grow up with healthy and beautiful teeth. Preparing to Visit the Dentist One of the biggest reasons kids don’t always have a positive experience with the dentist is simply because it is unknown to them. A new place, a different kind of experience, and unfamiliar people don’t have to be scary for children as long as they are prepared. Familiar toys or books, calming words, and explanations of what is coming up can go a long way. When your child is calm and prepared, experiences are generally smoother. Healthy Habits First and foremost, good, healthy habits start at home. Because your dentist only sees your child twice a year, they can only do so much. As the parent, you are in the best position to teach your children about good oral hygiene, healthy habits that will serve them throughout their lives, the importance of consistency, and how to care for their mouth and teeth. The easiest place to start is with regular brushing. Even small children can start with child-sized toothbrushes, developing the motor skills to keep their teeth nice and clean. At first, they will probably need quite a bit of help, but skill and autonomy will come with time. Start with smaller chunks of time, progressively building up until your children are able to brush for the recommended two to three minutes. As your children get older and more capable, you can move on to habits like flossing and avoiding sugary foods. You can also teach them to rinse their mouths with water after eating in situations where brushing is not an option. Teach them about the importance of caring for their mouth, teeth, and gums. Eating healthy foods, talking, breathing, and other essential actions are all done with their mouths, and knowing about the correlations between good dental health and good overall health is beneficial. A Few Tips and Tricks While teaching your kids all about good oral hygiene may seem simple and straightforward, that’s not usually how things work with kids. The younger they are, the more they benefit from getting started with good habits, but the more difficult it can be for them to concentrate. Turning brushing into a game can be helpful for capturing their attention. Trying music, setting a timer, downloading helpful apps created just for this purpose, telling silly stories, making bubbles, and using fun toothbrushes can all help make the experience enjoyable for your children. The Dental Office When it is time for the visits to the dental office, use it as an opportunity to educate your children. Ask questions while encouraging your kids to do the same, and try to learn from the experience and education of your dental professionals. Their experience with family dentistry means they know a lot of good tips and facts about teeth and dental health. In addition to cleaning, treating problems, and catching major issues like teeth that are not growing in properly, they can serve as a great resource as you teach your children good habits.
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