Oral care is a key part of a child’s overall health and wellness. The groundwork for strong, healthy teeth and gums is laid in childhood. Teaching children the importance of taking care of their teeth will avoid many simple issues related to dental hygiene, but can also start a routine that can continue into adulthood. There are different ways to be a role model and guide children through simple, developmentally appropriate methods for oral care that will help them develop a positive attitude toward taking care of their teeth. Let’s look at how to make oral hygiene familiar, fun, and effective.
Start Early and Make It a Routine
Creating good oral habits starts well before the first tooth falls out. In fact, it begins even before kids can brush their own teeth! It starts with wiping an infant’s gums with a damp, soft cloth, and then introduces a toothbrush when they get their first tooth. Infant, toddler, and preschool years are the best opportunities to establish those habits. Once children are of the right age to understand simple instructions, start brushing their teeth twice daily—at least in the morning and then again right before bedtime. Children typically enjoy routines, and when brushing teeth is incorporated into their daily routine, they begin to accept this task as they would any other predictable, non-negotiable activity, like daily eating and sleeping.
Try letting children pick their own toothbrush (e.g., colors, shapes, or their favourite characters can become more appealing to them. There are hundreds of child-friendly toothbrushes designed to make brushing easier and safer, and comfortable for a small hand, a small mouth, and tiny teeth. Be sure to apply no more than a pea-size amount of toothpaste, and try to be mindful that children do not swallow it, especially when they are young. Some families make a brushing chart or sticker page, for which children place a sticker each time they brush their teeth, making brushing and rewards into a game!
Lead by Example and Make It Fun
Children learn by observing, so when they see adults cleaning their teeth regularly, they are more likely to follow the behaviour themselves! Make brushing teeth a group activity as much as you can! Stand in front of the mirror together, brush your teeth at the same time, and talk about what you are doing. When it is time for you to brush your teeth, encourage your child to imitate your technique. After all, it does not matter if the child brushes properly; they are learning through mimicry and bonding!
You can also have some fun with storytelling or role-playing with toys! For example, you could pretend a stuffed animal needs to brush its teeth, and have your child demonstrate how they would do this. This way, you are not only reinforcing the technique but also building their confidence and independence by allowing them to direct the play. There are also lots of storybooks and animated videos available that focus on oral care in a kid-friendly way, which helps children relate to the importance of the habit.
Regular Checkups and Balanced Eating
When it comes to oral health, brushing and flossing should not be the end of keeping a child’s mouth healthy. It is important for a child to regularly visit a dental care professional. Ideally, the child should visit a dental care professional for the first time within six months of the first tooth erupting, and then every six months throughout their life unless instructed otherwise.
The dental check-ups serve to check for problems such as cavities, alignment issues, gum sensitivity, and other potential issues early in the process. Routine check-ups allow children to become familiar with the dentist’s office, treatment rooms, tools, and dental care professionals. This helps reduce anxiety when the child returns for future dental care needs. When a child can count on a gentle and child-friendly dental practitioner, the practice can become a positive experience that builds trust and decreases fear.
As a source of supplemental care, it is also important to keep children’s oral health in mind when planning their meals. A healthy diet made up of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and dairy will support healthy teeth and gums. The best foods are those rich in vitamin D and calcium. Frequent snacking of sugary and/or starchy foods, on the other hand, increases the possibility of damage to the child’s teeth.
Rather than eliminating treats, teach moderation. Encourage your child to have water instead of juice or pop–especially between meals–and have your child rinse his/her mouth or brush after eating sugar-laden foods. Chewing sugar-free gum (for older kids) can also stimulate saliva, which helps wash the mouth of sources of sugar.
For toddlers, don’t give bottles of juice or milk at naptime or bedtime. This leads to having the sugars in juice or milk stay on the teeth for a longer period, causing early decay. Consider plain water before going to sleep instead.
Conclusion
It takes patience, consistency, and creativity to teach kids good oral hygiene. By starting early, making it fun, and modelling good habits, you are empowering your child to take control of their oral health in a positive way. Along with establishing daily brushing and flossing, regular visits to the dentist, and making healthy food choices, it will all help to build a strong foundation for their smile that will last a lifetime.
Finally, remember that if you care for a child as a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you are not just reminding them to brush, but you are also helping them understand the why. If the kids know they can count on your support in helping them brush their teeth and develop their daily habits, what might start as a small effort could grow into something bigger as the kids become proud of their participation in achieving brighter smiles and improved overall health!
