There are some lessons that you will have to teach your children over and over before they sink in. And sometimes you have to let kids learn a lesson the hard way before they truly understand the benefits of listening to your advice. One area where you should not let your kids learn the hard way is with oral health. The reality is that permanent teeth show up pretty early in a child’s life – the first baby teeth start to fall out around kindergarten for most kids. If you do not start teaching your kids early and consistently about good oral health it could have life-long consequences. For example, decay in a permanent tooth during childhood can weaken the tooth and lead to a lifetime of trouble with it. Make it a priority in your life to keep your child’s oral health on track. Eventually (hopefully) your child will internalize the lessons you teach and create a habit of practicing good oral hygiene.

Start early

It is never too early to start taking care of your child’s oral health. Babies do not start out with teeth but you can still begin teaching proper oral care. Make brushing teeth (gums) a part of the nightly routine. As your child grows, brushing will simply be part of what you do each night to get ready for bed.

Set a good example

Little kids love to imitate adults. You can use this to your advantage when it comes to keeping your child’s oral health on track. Set an example for oral care that you want your child to imitate. In order to do this, you need to make sure your kids see you caring for your oral health. Let them observe you brushing, flossing, and going to routine dental visits.

Be consistent in your efforts

Some kids resist your efforts to take care of their oral health. You may have a child who fights you on brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist. It is tempting to give in from time to time just to get a break from the battle. When it comes to oral hygiene, however, you simply cannot give up. It is worth the effort it takes to protect the oral health of your child. There are a few tactics you can try to make oral care more fun.

• Take your child to the store to pick out a toothbrush featuring a favorite character.
• Play a song your child loves while brushing to help with timing.
• Add brushing to the chore chart and tie it to your child’s allowance.

These are just three ideas that you can try to help your child develop the habit of good oral care – and hopefully end the battle.

Starting early, setting a good example, and being consistent in your efforts will all help you keep your child’s oral health on track. Another important step in this process is to develop a good relationship with the dentist. At Dental Remedies, we regularly work with young patients and would love to help your child start to develop life-long habits that lead to good oral health.