Oral health is linked to overall health, which means we need to keep our mouths healthy to keep our bodies healthy. When we teach our children the importance of good oral health at a young age, we’re instilling good oral hygiene habits in them that they’ll keep with them for the rest of their lives. As many parents might know, teaching young children pediatric dental care tips isn’t always the easiest task.

It’s not uncommon for little ones to refuse to brush or floss their teeth. They can sometimes struggle with understanding why it’s so important to keep their teeth clean and healthy. However, there are a few good dental habits that we can begin to instill in our little ones right now that’ll help them understand the importance of dental health.

Continue reading our guide below to find more information!

1. Brush and Floss Twice a Day

As a parent, you know how important it is to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Now, you must pass down these good dental habits to your children. Make sure your children know that they should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day (once in the morning and once at night).

It’s also beneficial to have floss on you at all times so you can floss your teeth after lunch when not at home. To help show your child that brushing in the morning and before bed is important, you need to set a good example. Brush and floss your teeth with them every day so they see you practicing what you preach. 

You can let the little ones pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste as well to help them feel more excited about kids’ teeth cleaning. 

2. Limit Sugars and Acidic Drinks/Foods

Sugary and acidic foods/drinks break down the enamel on your teeth, cause stains, and put you at risk of cavities. You don’t have to completely remove sweets and acidic foods/drinks from your diet, but you do need to limit them. It’s also important not to have these treats directly before bed. 

Teach your children that enjoying these types of foods and drinks is fine to do, as long as it’s in moderation. It’s also important to teach them that they should drink lots of water when having these treats to help rinse out their mouths. If needed, be sure to show them research on the effects of sugary and acidic foods/drinks on the teeth. 

You can help them learn this good habit by leading by example. 

3. Use Your Teeth To Chew Food Only

This next tip might seem silly to have to discuss, but many people and children use their teeth to open packaging, bend materials, and more. Using your teeth for anything other than chewing food puts your teeth at risk of damage. It’s not difficult to chip, break, or loosen a tooth when biting down on something other than food. 

If the damage reaches the root, then you’re putting yourself at risk of losing a tooth. To prevent this from happening, only chew food with your teeth and teach your children to do the same. 

4. Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports

Does your child play a sport? Whether it’s softball, soccer, basketball, or something else, your child should be wearing a mouthguard while playing. Many people, adults and children alike, injure their teeth while playing sports. 

Elbows and sports equipment are just a few things that might damage a tooth during a game. To keep teeth safe, your child should have a mouthguard molded for them by their dentist. Speak to their dentist about the type of sport your child’s playing and the benefits of using a mouthguard. 

Then, be sure your child wears their mouthguard each time they’re playing and that they understand the risks of not doing so.

5. Your Tongue Needs Cleaning Too

We all remember to brush and floss our teeth each day, but do we remember to clean our tongues? We sure hope so! Plaque can build up on your tongue as well. 

If you fail to clean your tongue, it can lead to bad breath and other oral health issues also. It’s ideal to brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth. A toothbrush will help clean your tongue and maintain its cleanliness. 

If you need a little extra cleaning power, then you can consider using a tongue scraper. This is something you’ll want to teach your child to do each time they brush their teeth. It only takes a few extra seconds to stop and brush their tongue after brushing their teeth. 

Brushing their tongue should be something that’s a part of their regular brushing and flossing routine. 

6. Drink Water and Eat Crunchy Fruits and Veggies

Drinking lots of water and eating crunchy fruits and veggies can help keep your mouth clean and healthy. Water helps rinse away any sugars and other food particles left in your mouth. It’s beneficial to keep water with you at all times so you can drink some after eating or drinking anything other than water. 

Crunchy fruits (especially those with high water content) and veggies also help clean your teeth by removing plaque and other food particles from your teeth. Always try to keep these foods with you at all times for quick cleaning when needed. You should pack these items in your child’s lunch box as well to eat after they finish their lunch. 

Keep them available in your home as well so your child can always grab one when on the go. 

7. Visit the Dentist on a Regular Basis

The last tip to keep in mind and teach your child is to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Everyone should visit their dentist at least twice a year. When there are dental issues, you may need to visit even more often. 

Teach your child the importance of seeing their pediatric dentist on a regular basis and how beneficial seeing their dentist is for their teeth. 

Teach Your Little Ones These Pediatric Dental Care Tips

If you have any little ones in the house, then you’ll want to teach them these pediatric dental care tips. Remember to be patient and explain to them the importance of each one. It’s also important to always set a good example for your children.

Is your child due to see their pediatric dentist in Spanish Fork? After searching for pediatric dental care near me, you’re sure to find The Kid Dentist. At The Kid Dentist, we look forward to meeting both you and your child.

We’re specially trained in providing dental care to children. Our entire team is also committed to ensuring your child has a fun, safe, and positive experience. Contact us today to schedule the first appointment!