How Can I Help My Child to Brush?
Teaching your child proper oral care at a young age is an investment in their overall health that surely pays off in the future. As a parent, you may be thinking, “how do I start?” It begins with setting an example; taking good care of your own teeth sends an impressionable message that oral health is something to be valued.
Below are some examples Dr. Hubbell Williams provides for parents wanting to know how they can help their child implement proper oral care through brushing their teeth.
Set A Good Example
When your child is young, you as the parent are their most significant role model. Children tend to mimic the actions of their parents. Take advantage of this by setting a good example for your young one and brush your teeth in front of them every day.
You can always try to brighten up the routine by singing a song while you clean your teeth or have a silly dance especially reserved for this time. By incorporating fun activities, you can get your child excited about wanting to exercise good oral hygiene on their own.
Get The Entire Family Involved
A child who sees their parents constantly brushing their teeth will want to join in the fun. Get your partner engaged in the activity and turn cleaning your smile into a family affair.
Be sure to begin this when your child is little. This will help developing children understand the importance of brushing from an initial age and make it a routine, carrying this essential hygiene into adulthood.
Stick to a Routine
With everyday life being as hectic as it is, you may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day, but keep at it. The more second nature their oral hygiene routine becomes, the easier it will be to make sure your loved one is brushing correctly twice a day.
Embrace Positive Dental Visits
The key to getting your child to enjoy brushing their teeth and exercising proper oral care is to be patient and make visits to the dental office a fun activity. One of the best ways to begin this is to bring your young one to their dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts. Getting them comfortable with the dental office at a young age is essential for them to establish trust and help them make confident oral hygiene decisions for their future.
At Crossville Dentistry, Dr. Hubbell Williams and his friendly staff are committed to providing preventive dental care for your loved ones. If you are looking for exceptional dentistry with a compassionate approach, we encourage you to call or visit our practice today!