Dental Tips You Can Use With Your Children

Too many parents feel that exemplary dental care is unnecessary when it comes to their young children. This feeling, of course, comes with the knowledge that their child's teeth are only going to be there for a few years before they are replaced with a permanent set. Failing to instill good hygiene habits in even the youngest child, however, can result in that child carrying bad habits with them throughout their life. Not only that, but they are just as susceptible to cavities and gum disease at a young age as they are when they get older. It is never too soon for a good regimen. Here are some tips you can use to start building good habits.

Timer

This comes as a surprise to many who feel like brushing their teeth is a race to the finish line, but most dentists recommend spending at least two or three minutes on brushing alone. This is, of course, to be done twice a day. While three minutes goes by in a flash when you're doing something fun, it can seem like an eternity when you're standing in front of the bathroom sink, running a brush back and forth across your teeth. It can seem like five eternities to a child. To help keep up a good regimen, you might consider putting a timer in the bathroom or buying a toothbrush that comes with one.

Rewards

While schools of thought differ when it comes to reinforcing good behavior with rewards, you may find it is helpful to implement some incentives. Young children aren't able to grasp the long term rewards of good dental hygiene. In all honesty, many adults struggle with the concept. You can bypass this lack of understanding by providing more immediate incentives. Small presents can ensure your child feels pride in themselves when they accomplish the hygiene and good eating habits that promote healthy teeth and gums. In time, they will internalize the reward and no longer need it.

Frequent Dental Visits

It is commonly advised to begin bringing a child in for regular dental appointments as soon as the first tooth has developed or when the child has reached his first birthday. Not only can this ensure that any problems are addressed quickly, it can set up a habit that the child will bring with him through older childhood, his teenage years, and on through adulthood. Getting in front of a dentist twice a year is perhaps the most important thing you can do to keep your teeth healthy and this habit is learned early.