Choosing the right dentist for your family is important – but perhaps even more important are the oral care habits that you demonstrate for your children on a daily basis. If you’ve ever tried to have a hushed conversation out of earshot from your children, you’ll quickly find that they are always listening and observing…it’s crucial that children are not just told to practice good oral hygiene, but that the adults in their lives model good oral care on a regular basis.

BRUSHING

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day (for the appropriate amount of time!) is a great first step in modeling healthy oral hygiene habits for your kids. It’s tempting to do a quick brushing to get rid of morning breath before you run out the door, but that’s just not enough. Be sure to completely brush the interior, exterior, and chewing surfaces of the teeth as well as your tongue, which should take about two minutes.

FLOSSING

Flossing is so very important for your own oral hygiene, and equally as important of a behavior to model for your children. There are places that a toothbrush simply cannot reach, so flossing is the best way to clean those hard-to-reach areas. Particles and food stuck between teeth can lead to buildup and decay, which can potentially cause serious problems like gum disease. Floss regularly so your kids will too!

REGULAR VISITS TO THE DENTIST

Even if you experience a bit (or a lot!) of anxiety when visiting the dentist, modeling the importance of regular dental care is an important lesson your child will emulate. When your child sees how you care for your oral health on a regular basis, that will become a normalized, routine practice for them that they are likely to carry throughout their lives. If you do experience fear or anxiety, it’s a great opportunity to show them how to overcome fear for practices that are important to one’s health.

DRINK MORE WATER

If you have little eyes watching you (and even if you don’t!), it may be time to kick that soda habit. Drinking water is an important behavior to model for children early-on, both when it comes to their oral health and overall health as well. Water helps wash away particles and sugars that may remain on the teeth after eating, and usually contains fluoride that helps protect and strengthen teeth. When they see you drinking water, it will encourage them to follow suit – protecting their teeth and lowering their level of overall sugar consumption.

Your children are watching… what oral care habits are you modeling for them? If you haven’t set the best example in dental hygiene up to this point, don’t worry – it’s never too late to change your habits and model good oral care that will create a positive, lasting impact on your children’s health and wellbeing. If you are looking for a family dentist in the St. Augustine area that will come alongside you in teaching good dental hygiene, call Dental Remedies today for a new patient consultation.