For Children’s Dental Health Month, our team at Bayou Dental Group wants to optimize your chances for having healthy, happy smiles in your family!
That’s why we’re giving you some tips about how to set your child up for lifelong dental success from the very beginning!
4 Habits That Build Your Child’s Healthy Smile
Here are four habits you can begin now with your family that will help build healthier smiles for your kids!
*Introduce Them To Dental Care Early*
Because dental anxiety is so widespread among adults, and a huge roadblock to dental health, you should try to set a positive tone about going to the dentist as early as possible.
Our family-friendly staff at Bayou Dental Group love when kids visit us for cleanings and exams!
We’re parents, too, so we know how to make them feel safe and comfortable with their surroundings and the work we do to keep their teeth clean.
If they have confidence about dental appointments from an early age, chances are they won’t be among the millions of adults in the this country struggling with anxiety-induced poor oral health.
*Create Routines & Stick To Them*
Time and again, no matter how much they fuss or complain about them at first, our kids show us how successful routines are in guiding their behavior.
That’s why it’s important to create an oral hygiene routine for your family, and even more critical, to stick to them!
Just like they do with bath time, bedtime, and meal time, it won’t take long for your kids to settle their brushing and flossing comfortably into their daily routine. This will not only instill a healthy attitude in your kids about maintaining a clean mouth, but it will have a positive long-term effect on their ability to prevent dental problems.
*Show Them That Oral Hygiene Is Fun*
Kids don’t easily accept “have to” types of activity, nor do they fully understand the concept of doing things because they’re good for you.
So we suggest making oral hygiene fun so that your kids will begin their journey of lifelong dental health with a positive attitude. As they age, daily brushing and flossing will be second nature to them, making a healthy smile easier for them to achieve throughout their lifetime.
You can make oral care more exciting for your little ones by letting them pick out their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and even their own reward for keeping up with this important daily responsibility!
*Make Healthy Living A Priority*
Just like with oral hygiene, it’s easier to instill healthy dietary habits early than it is to recondition your kids to make good choices when they’re a little older.
One way you can do that is to make water your family’s main beverage of choice. It’s the healthiest option for oral and overall health because it keeps the body hydrated, and it promotes plenty of saliva production that protects teeth and gums.
Although you might think fruit juice, chocolate milk, or sports drinks are good choices, they can actually be counterproductive to building strong teeth because of the sugar content, acidity, and additives.
Another way to promote a healthy lifestyle with your family is to keep your kitchen clear of highly-processed snacks like chips, cookies, and other convenience foods.
If junk food isn’t an option in your family, outside of special treats or occasions, your kids will become accustomed to healthier foods like whole fruits and vegetables and reach for those instinctively as they get older.
Call Us Today!
Start building your child’s healthy smile today and call Bayou Dental Group to schedule their next dental cleaning and exam. We’ll make sure their teeth and gums are safe and strong in a fun, kid-friendly environment!
You can reach us at 318-302-4236 or you can request an appointment in Monroe, LA via our online form.