Your child’s oral health is essential at any age, even before they have teeth! More than half of children and adolescents have at least one cavity, but tooth decay is preventable with proper oral hygiene habits and good nutrition [1].

How can you help your child develop great oral hygiene as they get older? The following are some tips for helping your little ones have beautiful and healthy smiles throughout their childhood and well into their adult years!

Set and Stick to a Routine

Getting into a routine is the easiest way to help your child develop and stick to great oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing should happen every day. With brushing, first thing in the morning and last thing before bed is ideal [2]. Flossing needs to happen just once a day, preferably before bed, but anytime is better than not flossing at all.

If they are old enough, let your child brush their own teeth, but continue to supervise until your child can properly do the task themselves, typically until the age of eight. Setting and sticking to a routine, which you can even do as a family, can show children that you prioritize oral health and help them get in the habit of taking care of their teeth and gums every day.

Teach the Importance of the Right Tools

The right tools are essential for oral care for both kids and adults. Teach your kids that they should always use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. The soft bristles will effectively clean teeth while preventing tooth enamel damage while fluoride will help strengthen tooth enamel [3].

You can help encourage children get excited about oral care by using different kinds of toothpaste and having them pick their own toothbrush and floss or flossing tools. Having the right tools and products will make it easier for your child to develop proper oral hygiene, even as they get older.

Keep Those Dental Checkups

Seeing the dentist regularly will help your kids understand how important oral care is and can also reduce anxiety about seeing the dentist and getting teeth cleanings. Your child’s dentist can also review their brushing and flossing habits with them to help them improve.

One of the best ways you can encourage your child to develop proper oral hygiene is to take excellent care of your teeth and gums yourself and see your dentist [4]. Children learn by example and when they see you going to your dentist and taking care of your teeth, they will be encouraged to do the same.

It’s Never Too Late to Teach Great Oral Hygiene

It’s never too late to teach your kids great oral hygiene habits. Although starting when they are young is ideal, you can always start modeling good behavior and encourage your children to keep their smiles healthy with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to their dentist.

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/index.html
2. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Brushing-Up-
on-Oral-Health-Never-Too-Early-to-Start.aspx
3. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html
4. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/134/6/1224/33112/Maintaining-and-
Improving-the-Oral-Health-of-Young?autologincheck=redirected?nfToken=00000000-
0000-0000-0000-000000000000