The ABCs of Children’s Dental Health: A Parent’s Guide

Every day is a new lesson when you have children. When it comes to teachable moments, make sure that you are placing priority on dental health for kids.

The way that your kids take care of their teeth and gums now will dictate how their permanent teeth grow in. The habits that they learn will follow them well into adulthood. So what tips should you be imparting?

Make children’s dental health your highest priority by following the information below.

Teach and Read Them Stories Related to Children’s Dental Health

If you tell your kids something, be prepared to have to tell them a thousand other times before it sinks in. However, if you put it in a story, good luck getting your child to ever forget it.

Any parent who has been begged to read the same old story for the millionth time can attest to this. There are several children’s books out there that teach about the importance of dental health and how to achieve it.

Buy a few of these books and throw them into the mix for naptime and bedtime reading. These lessons will become ingrained into your child, and you can solidify these lessons through your own actions.

Related: 5 Tips for Having a Healthy Smile

Brush and Floss With Them Every Day

The easiest way to get through to your kids is to simply brush and floss with them every day. Make this a ritual and keep it fun.

One rule of thumb is to sing or hum a song for this time. Get your child to hum the song while they brush. The completion of the song allows plenty of brushing time to pass before they call it quits.

This is a fun way to bond and also make sure that your child is brushing their teeth for the right amount of time.

Make sure to stress flossing also. Several people today overlook flossing, which can help protect them from the pain and discomfort of gingivitis and cavities.

Find a Pediatric Dentist That is Helpful

Shop around for a practice that offers dentistry for children and the whole family. Choose a dentist that is skillful at working with kids so that they can still do their job if your child is squirming or crying–especially children with ADHD dental check-ups.

Going to the dentist is a milestone in your child’s life, so make sure that you’re doing business with the best professional that you can find.

Keep Up With Your Family Dental Insurance Plan

Finally, make sure that you can always afford the dental care that your child needs. The way to go about this is through a quality dental insurance plan.

Re-up your policy every year and make sure it covers general visits and any other services that you might need. It’s best to have this plan beforehand, just in case your child ends up needing braces or another expensive procedure.

Put a Healthy Smile on Your Kid’s Face

The tips above will help you manage your children’s dental health. Teaching them to take care of themselves in this way will put a healthy smile on their face in more ways than one.

Use these tips to your advantage and get in touch with some dentists that can help you.