Teaching your children how to look after their teeth, and about the importance of oral health care, can pose quite a challenge for parents, especially when your kids are young. However, instilling good dental habits in your children early on has many benefits, including:
- Lower risk of dental emergencies
- Prevention of tooth decay and cavities
- More affordable future dental costs
- Lower risk of gum disease, inflammation, or tooth pain
Remember: Teaching your child about good dental hygiene early on will set the stage for excellent long-term oral health.
Teledental Health Services Available For Dental Emergencies in Calgary
Do you or your kid have a dental emergency? Our Calgary family dentists are just a phone call away! Whether it’s jaw pain or a tooth abscess, give us a call or send us an email and we will get back to you promptly.
We will be checking our phones and emails periodically and our Calgary dentists are committed to support your, and your childrens’ oral health during the COVID-19 period.
Have a dental emergency?
TELEHEALTH EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE AVAILABLE AT OUR CALGARY CLINIC
5 Ways to Teach Your Child About Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is extremely important to your child’s oral and overall health. Your child needs healthy and strong teeth in order to comfortably eat, speak, and smile. Good oral hygiene habits start during childhood, but as a parent, how do you start to teach your kid about the importance of caring for their teeth?
Here are a few strategies that can help you get started:
1. Supervise Your Young Child
Any child under the age of 8 years old will need your supervision to ensure that they are brushing their teeth twice a day, and doing it properly. Make sure to watch your child as they brush and give them pointers along the way. You might even need to step in to brush spots they may have missed.
2. Help Your Child Floss
Flossing is key to removing extra plaque and food particles from between the teeth - which is where cavities most often develop. Flossing can be hard for children to grasp, so start off by demonstrating on your own teeth. After this, help them maneuver the floss into position in their own mouths.
Does your child struggle with normal floss? You might want to consider flossing picks as they are easier to handle in the beginning, and you can floss the back, hard-to-reach teeth for them until they grow more comfortable doing it on their own.
3. Make Oral Hygiene an Important Part of Morning and Bedtime Routine
Brushing their teeth might not be your child’s favorite thing to do, but if you make it a part of their routine, it does start to feel more natural. Always have your little one brush their teeth at the same time in the morning and evening, and make sure that no matter how busy you are, this part of the routine is never skipped!
4. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
Your child’s diet relates to their oral health and instead of giving them junk food such as sugary sweets, candy, and juices, why not opt for healthier food choices, such as:
- Apples
- Cheese strings
- Whole-wheat pretzels
- Peanuts
- Yogurt
Everything is Better in Moderation
If you want to give your kids a treat from time to time, remember that everything is better in moderation! Your child deserves to enjoy birthday cake on their birthday and even candy during Halloween, but these shouldn’t be daily indulgences.
5. Be a Good Role Model
Your child looks at you to set an example for their behaviour. This means that you should make it a point to not only look after their oral health, but your own as well. Let them watch you brush, floss, and make healthy dietary choices, and you’ll be surprised by how easily and quickly they follow you.
Have a Dental Emergency? We’re Here to Help
If you or your child have a dental emergency during COVID-19, our Calgary dentists are here to help. We will ask you for information regarding your situation and advise you on any necessary next steps. If you do need to visit the clinic, we will book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can contact us at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
