5 Ways to Teach Good Oral Health Habits to Your Kids
Wondering how you can help your kids have better oral health habits? Learn how lifestyle dentistry can help parents teach their children good oral health habits that will set them up for a lifetime of oral and physical health.
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Studies show that establishing good oral health habits at a young age is important for both long-term dental health and long-term physical health. Unfortunately, parents often struggle to instill good oral health habits in their kids. Turning habits like brushing and flossing from a chore to a fun experience is challenging but not impossible — especially with the support of lifestyle dentists who have your child’s dental health and overall wellness in mind.
Read on to learn five ways that you can teach your child how to take care of their teeth and where to find the best lifestyle dentist in Berkeley.
5 Tips For Teaching Kids Great Oral Health Habits
At Lifestyle Dentistry Berkeley, we often get asked, “How do I teach my child good oral health habits?” While you may think brushing is the only habit you should think about, there are other ways that you can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and a bright smile. Here are our top five tips for teaching good oral health to kids:
1. Get into a Good Brushing and Flossing Routine
Good brushing is the most effective way to prevent cavities, but if brushing and flossing seem like chores, your kiddo may try to avoid them. When parents ask us how to make brushing and flossing more fun, we recommend making a game out of it or offering a small reward for a month of never missing a day of brushing.
Singing a silly song or using a fun character toothbrush can help little ones get more excited about this small but important daily task. Once your child is in a good habit, it will be easier for them to stay in the habit when you’re not there to remind them later in life.
2. Don’t Shy Away From Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in soil, water, and air. It is widely proven to help prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel — making enamel more resistant to plaque, bacteria, and sugar. Despite its benefits, some parents feel hesitant to use fluoride toothpaste or have their children receive fluoride treatments at the dentist. It’s important to understand that fluoride in water and when used for dental health is well-studied and completely safe.
If your child drinks tap water that is treated with fluoride and uses a fluoride toothpaste according to directions, they likely get enough fluoride to protect their teeth. If your child drinks filtered or bottled water, then they may need a fluoride treatment every time they visit the dentist.
3. Offer Healthy Food Choices
Cavities in children are on the rise, and the added sugars in many foods, drinks, and snacks can be partially to blame. In fact, recent studies have shown that diet has a significant impact on children’s oral health.
Reducing the amount of processed foods and sugary drinks that your child consumes can not only improve their dental health but also lower their risk of obesity and metabolic health now and in the future.
4. Lead by example
Children mimic those around them, so chances are if you lead by example, they’ll follow. By making sure your child sees you taking your oral and physical health seriously, you can help them learn the same healthy habits.
5. Make Regular Dental Exams a Priority
Tooth decay in children sharply increased during the pandemic. Experts believe that this is because of missed dental exams and cleanings. This serves as a reminder of how important pediatric dental exams are to prevent tooth decay and other dental problems.
Like adults, children should see a pediatric dentist at least twice a year for a pediatric dental check-up. Pediatric dental cleaning and fluoride treatment are usually done during these bi-annual check-ups.
Choosing a lifestyle dentist for your family dentist ensures that you work with a dental professional who not only has your family’s oral health in mind but their physical health as well.
Where to Find the Best Pediatric Lifestyle Dentist in Berkeley
Lifestyle Dentistry Berkeley is committed to not only providing state-of-the-art dental services but also helping you and your family make positive lifestyle choices that improve your overall health and wellness.
Dr. Nisha Kalra leads our team of dedicated and highly educated dentists at Lifestyle Dentistry Berkeley — where we have a strong passion for the oral and physical health of all our patients. Our unique whole-body wellness approach to comprehensive integrative dentistry is bridging the gap between medicine and dentistry.
Ready to see how lifestyle dentistry can help your child build a foundation of good health for life?
