Taking care of your teeth is essential at all ages. That’s why it’s important for parents to teach their children proper oral hygiene at a young age to make it a habit that they will follow throughout their adolescence and adult years. Here are some tips from your dentists in Casa Grande for teaching your children about tooth care and oral hygiene that they will remember for a lifetime.
Make Brushing Your Teeth Fun
A great way to encourage your children to brush their teeth often is to make it fun for them. When they see you brushing your teeth, have a smile on your face and talk about how clean and fresh your breath is going to be when you’re done. You can even sing songs about how fresh breath and healthy teeth are great or make it a game. You can find a variety of ways to make brushing your teeth fun so your children will want to brush their teeth two or three times a day instead of making it a chore.
Don’t Use Too Much Toothpaste
Since toothpaste is good for your teeth, you might think that the more you use, the better it will be. But that’s not true. Most toothpaste products have fluoride in them that can be harmful in large doses. And since your children will likely swallow at least some of the toothpaste that you use for the first few years, you don’t want them to ingest too much fluoride which can be dangerous. Instead, use an amount of toothpaste that is about the size of a pea. This is ideal for small children brushing their teeth because it’s plenty of toothpaste without being too much.
Don’t Scare Children with Dental Care
There are many parents who will tell their children that their teeth will rot and fall out if they don’t brush them regularly. They will also tell their children that they will need painful procedures done to their mouth if they don’t brush their teeth like they are supposed to. But this is counterproductive to what you are trying to accomplish. This can cause your children to be anxious about proper dental care and they will grow up with an unhealthy attitude about brushing and flossing their teeth. This may also make them afraid of the dentist when it’s time for their regular checkups. Don’t threaten your kids with dental procedures – simply offer positive encouragement for brushing their teeth.
Choose a Good Dentist
There are many qualified dentists in Casa Grande who will work on your child’s teeth, but only a few of them may be right for you. Some people grow up with a fear of dentists because their parents chose the wrong one when they were young and they never grew out of that fear. Look for a dentist who is gentle and caring and your child will have a healthy attitude about visiting the dentist throughout their adolescent and adult years.
When you’re looking for the best dentist in Casa Grande for your family, look no further than Robert F. Hankel Jr. D.D.S. He and his team of professionals will make you feel comfortable and help you with all aspects of your family’s dental care.
