Teaching your kids to take care of their dental health and hygiene may not be easy, but it’s definitely one of the best ways to instill a lifetime of beautiful smiles. There’s so much more to it than just checking to make sure they’ve brushed their teeth, but how can you get them on board with the total program?
The first thing for you to do is to make sure you already know what’s important in dental hygiene. Avoiding sugary snacks and drinks is a great start, and you can also find ways to reward good hygiene without spoiling your efforts. Let smaller children pick out their own toothbrushes (from a selection you choose), and choose a good alcohol-free rinse to help fight cavities.
Finally, be on the lookout for potential problems in your kids’ dental habits and hygiene. Bad breath — beyond just morning breath — can be a sign of tooth decay or other problems. Bruxism, or the grinding of teeth, is often found in children. They may grind their teeth while sleeping or while under stress, although there are other causes such as hyperactivity and temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ).
If you have questions about helping your kids with dental hygiene, be sure to ask the next time you call or visit our office.
