February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time set aside to celebrate the opportunity to make dental care improvements and take a stand for improved oral health. Thus, the aim is to educate parents so they can encourage better compliance from their children. As you read on, your pediatric dentist in Irving lists 5 ways to maximize your child’s dental wellness this month!
#1 – Make Oral Hygiene Fun
You understand the importance of proper oral hygiene, but how can you relate the significance to your child? One way is to make brushing and flossing fun.
You can post a chart in the bathroom so that after every cleaning, your child gets a gold star. After a series of cleanings, you can then reward him or her with a toy or a special treat.
#2 – Fun Shopping for Dental Care Products
Another way to encourage your little one to practice excellent oral hygiene is to make shopping for dental care products an anticipated experience. A way to accomplish this is to allow your child to pick out a toothbrush, toothpaste and other items that feature one of his or her favorite characters.
Using this strategy, your child will be running to the sink to perform oral hygiene.
#3 – Offer Alternatives for Sugar
Most kids have an affinity for sweets. The problem is items high in sugar are some of the main contributors to bacteria growth.
To prevent unwanted plaque development, you can offer your child such alternatives as sugar-free popsicles and fruits. Thus, the sweet craving can be satiated while putting him or her in less danger of cavity development.
#4 – Make Water Available
Not only is water essential for keeping the body hydrated, but it also aids in removing leftover particles after eating a meal. To encourage compliance, you can add a healthy sweetener like stevia or Truvia to the water.
#5 – Establish a Habit of Maintaining Preventive Care Visits
One of the most important habits to teach to your child is to maintain regular visits for preventive care. To successfully go about this and to quiet any anxiety, you can visit your children’s dentist in Irving with your child so he or she can get acquainted with the staff and the environment.
Then, when it’s time for an official visit, things can go much smoother.
The main idea here is to be creative and to understand that building healthy habits in your child is a process. With help from your dentist for kids in Irving, though, you can get your little one on track to experience the best oral health possible!
About the Author
When you visit Rio Dental, you can rest assured that all your child’s oral health care needs can be met under one roof. That amounts to time and money savings. With several professionals specializing in different areas of care, your child can benefit from a sound foundation of oral health to carry into adulthood. For more information, you can visit the practice’s website.
