Encouraging your children to have an interest in their oral health is really important, as when their teeth are looked after when they’re young, they have a much better chance of maintaining their natural smile for as long as possible. We’re here to inform you how to encourage them to have an interest, from visiting your dentist Leamington Spa based to how you manage routines at home!
Create A Routine
The first thing you should do to encourage an interest in oral health from your children is to create a routine with them so it becomes a normal part of the day. Assign part of the day at the very beginning and end of the day for brushing, such as first thing in the morning when they wake up and then after dinner in the evening.
Find a time that suits your child so they won’t be too sleepy, for example, if your child can be quite groggy at the very first thing, it would be better for them to brush after breakfast so it feels like less of a chore. You should also encourage them to have a big drink of water after a drink, snack or meal throughout the day to help wash away unwanted bacteria. Setting times and making brushing a normal part of their routine will help your children to stick with it.
Be A Role Model
Children like to replicate their parent’s behaviours, so being a good role model when it comes to oral health is key. You could brush your teeth with them first thing in the morning, making sure you brush for two full minutes, so they get used to how long it should take. Drink water throughout the day and you should also have your dentist appointment at the same time as them if possible so they feel more comfortable.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Encouraging your children to eat a balanced diet is not only important for their overall health, but also their oral health. When you’re trying different foods with them that are high in calcium or are nice and crunchy like raw vegetables, make sure you reinforce that they’re really great for your teeth and will help to keep a strong, healthy smile. You can also talk about the fact that whilst sugary treats are tasty and can be a part of your diet, you need to eat them in moderation because they’re not the best choice for your teeth. Having open and honest conversations with your children like this will help them to grow up aware of their oral health.
Do A Tour Of Your Dentist
Another great idea to encourage an interest in oral health is for you to do a tour of your dentist with your child. If they’re not taking their brushing seriously, try to arrange a tour with your dentist and it would be good to book an appointment at the same time where the dentist talks all about how important it is to brush properly and visit. Sometimes it takes someone in a position of authority in dentistry to really get through to kids, so give this a go next time you’re due to visit the dentist in Milton Keynes or Manchester.
