Helping Your Child Develop Good Dental Habits For Life
Children’s brains are like sponges. They continuously develop new skills. They memorise the alphabet. They learn how to swim. They master the skill of shoe tying. Therefore, it makes sense that they’ll need to learn how to take care of their teeth.
While teaching your child excellent oral hygiene may seem like a daunting task, helping your child develop good dental habits and hygiene doesn’t have to be stressful. Forming good dental habits takes practice and a little creativity.
As a trusted childcare centre, we’re sharing all of our secrets with you today.
WHY IS DENTAL HYGIENE IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN?
Your child’s dental habits in early childhood will form the foundation of their ongoing dental care for life. If your child doesn’t take care of their baby teeth, they’re still susceptible to cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and more. Your dental health affects the rest of your body’s health too.
By forming good routine foundations early, you set your child up for a lifetime of dental discipline and having a bright, shining smile.
WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING…
We know that instilling dental discipline sounds easier than it is in practice. Kids often resist order, and many don’t enjoy brushing or flossing their teeth. It sounds like hard work and to a degree, it’s true. However, we’ve got some tips that will make your job teaching good dental hygiene habits to your child easier and more attainable.
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
What do kids want? Fun! When do they want it? Now! If you want to start your children on the right track, make sure you make it fun. How to do this? It starts with a good toothbrush that they like using and a toothpaste flavour that they enjoy. It’s important to frame the activity as a fun game rather than a “chore” that they have to do. By giving them tools that they enjoy working with, half the work is done for you.
MAKE IT FUN WITH MUSICMake teeth brushing fun and a special activity to do together by incorporating songs and music! By doing it together, it becomes a bonding experience and also an enjoyable habit. You could introduce them to The Wiggles’ “Brush Your Teeth Song” or even try the app that guides them through a 2-minute fun brush. CocoMelon’s “Yes, Yes, Brush Your Teeth” is also a big hit. There are many songs to explore on YouTube, so you’re sure to find the one that works best for your little one.
MAKE SURE THEY LIKE THEIR DENTIST
Many children fear the dentist and, as a result, refuse to go or to take care of their teeth. The key here is to find a dentist that your child enjoys the company of and can ultimately trust. If your little one is complaining about their dentist, try taking them to someone else who can accommodate their needs.
Make sure that you choose a dentist well-known for working with and being good with children. They know exactly how to make your child feel more comfortable and at ease with the process and can also help you make dental care more “fun”.
LAY OFF THE SUGAR
One of our best tips is to reduce your child’s sugar intake. Seriously, you’ll work towards preventing many dental problems by prioritising and applying this truth. Sure, every child deserves a treat now and then, but helping them make healthy eating choices will help their dental health in the long run.
CHOOSE A SCHOOL THAT PRIORITISES GOOD DENTAL HABITS
The best way for your kid to enjoy taking care of their dental hygiene is for them to observe their peers taking care of their teeth and having fun while doing so. This is where your child’s childcare centre can really help you reinforce good habits.
Here at The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool, our curriculum teaches good dental hygiene and habits using our signature dental model. We understand the impact quality food has on kids and ensure the food we serve is healthy and fresh every meal. Furthermore, in the month of August, we are giving every child at our centre a new bamboo toothbrush to take home. If you’re looking for a childcare centre in Warriewood or Collaroy Plateau that includes dental hygiene awareness and habits in their curriculum, please reach out to us at The Owl and the Pussycat Preschool. We’d be happy to give you a tour of our wonderful facilities.
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