How To Teach Your Child the Importance of Dental Hygiene

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Teach your child the importance of dental hygiene as soon as possible to lay down the foundation for practicing healthy habits and proper dental care.

One of the most challenging tasks a parent will have to do is teaching their child the importance of dental hygiene. You want to start doing this as early as possible so that children can learn the significance by example and repetition. Don’t know where to start? Take a look at our guide to get your kiddo off on the right foot with oral hygiene.

Read Books About Teeth and Dentists

If you cannot put the importance of oral hygiene into words, a book is the next best thing. Your child will already be acclimated to reading time, and hearing a story with pictures helps create the right image of brushing their teeth in their minds. Start with a book to lighten the mood and begin the fun of dental care.

Lead by Example

The best and fastest way for children to understand how to brush their teeth is by watching you do it. This can be a great bonding experience for your children and you too. 

Let Them Brush Their Teeth Themselves

You should supervise the brushing until your child reaches age 7 or 8. You may need to intervene from time to time to ensure they are using the best practices to brush their teeth. Showing them first but letting them continue the habit on their own teaches responsibility.

Get Creative and Play Games

To increase dental hygiene knowledge, play games with your child so that they become more familiar with dental terms and the products used to care for teeth. Learn the dangers of thumb-sucking to dental health, if this is something your child does, and create games to help break those bad habits.

Let Them Pick Out Their Own Toothbrush

As a child, there is nothing more exciting than picking out your own items at the store. Teaching your child the importance of dental hygiene just got easier with the help of a pretty toothbrush. If your child’s brush is tailored to their taste, brushing their teeth just got more fun!

Explain the Consequences

You never want to scare a child, but you should explain to them the consequences that can arise if they do not brush their teeth. If the child doesn’t understand why they are brushing their teeth, they are less likely to make a habit out of it. Explain why we brush our teeth and what could happen if we don’t do it daily.

Teaching a child healthy habits does not have to be complicated—it can be a fun learning experience for you and them. Not only are they gaining valuable skills, but you are also taking time to bond with them every morning. Remember to start this habit as soon as possible for healthy baby teeth and adult teeth.