February has been designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is a time dedicated to encouraging parents to take a more active role in their children’s dental wellness. In an effort to further raise awareness and aid in this quest, your children’s dentist in Pasadena lists 5 helpful strategies you can implement immediately!
Building a Strong Foundation
A great emphasis is placed on teaching proper and consistent dental health habits to children. That’s because the formative years of life are the best times to instill these ideals.
Therefore, by adulthood, there will be less chance of reoccurring tooth decay and the development of gum disease, a condition that affects over 85% of adult Americans.
When these 5 upcoming tips are implemented, though, parents can better ensure their children a happier and healthier future.
#1 – Make Toothbrush Shopping an Event
One way to generate excitement about dental health is to allow your child to select a toothbrush that features one of his or her favorite characters. This simple tactic offers a way to make each cleaning an anticipated event, and it also naturally encourages your child to want to brush more often, which is a key to maintaining excellent oral health.
#2 – Perform a Fun Inspection
If your child normally brushes his or her teeth alone, then from time-to-time, you’ll need to evaluate a session to make sure the efforts are effective. Then, if any adjustments need to be made, you can offer some constructive tips.
As a means of positive reinforcement, you can offer rewards for compliance in the future. Thus, your child will have an incentive to make the necessary changes.
#3 – Highlight Any Plaque
The primary nemesis to your child’s dental health is plaque, which is a clear, sticky substance that clings to the teeth and can eventually work its way beneath the gum line to cause serious problems like bone damage and acute inflammation.
Plaque-identifying tablets are useful aids. Chewable, they leave bright colors on any areas where there is a buildup on your child’s teeth. Then, your little one can brush to remove the discoloration, which is a great way to teach the importance of cleaning the teeth thoroughly.
#4 – Coloring to Better Dental Health
Since most children enjoy coloring, you can use the latter as a means to boost dental wellness. The American Dental Association provides free online activities that can be downloaded. Once your child colors the pages, you can post them in the bathroom to serve as reminders of the importance of brushing and flossing.
#5 – Pay Your Dentist a Visit
Your children’s dentist is your greatest ally in the quest for improved oral health. Therefore, it’s vital for your child to maintain six-month visits.
Not only will these appointments provide cleanings and examinations, but the pattern of healthy-habit forming will follow your child into adulthood!
About the Author
Dr. Kimber Holmes earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Over two decades later, she is still just as passionate about helping patients of all ages enjoy excellent dental wellness. Dr. Holmes provides comprehensive care at Pasadena Family Dentistry, and she can be reached for more information through her website.