At times, it can seem like cavities are as much a part of childhood as mud pies and toy boxes. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. By taking steps to keep your child’s mouth healthy and encouraging them to take charge of their oral health, you can help minimize or prevent cavities and establish good habits that follow them for the rest of their lives.
Show Them the Way
As in so many other areas as you parent your children, the best way to help them achieve good oral health is to lead by example. Let them see you brushing and flossing regularly as well as eating foods that are good for your teeth. All the encouraging words and fancy toothbrushes will never be able to replace good oral habits that you demonstrate to your children through your own actions.
Help Them Help Themselves
Even if you’re able to establish good oral hygiene habits in your children, if you allow them to eat foods that are unhealthy for their teeth, they will still end up with cavities. Occasional treats are all right and even encouraged to ensure your children don’t become bored with their diet. However, regularly feeding your children sugary foods will reverse any progress that is made in other areas of oral health.
Establish Trust
A good dentist is an important partner as you seek to improve and maintain your child’s oral health. Your child’s dentist should be able to gain their trust and treat them with the patience and respect they deserve. This positive relationship will also benefit your child, ensuring they willingly go to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned.
This positive association will also help your children in the future as it gets them in the habit of going to the dentist, especially when their needs become more advanced as they get older, such as getting dental crowns in Glenview. They will be more than willing to go in for a visit. For excellent pediatric dentistry, dental crowns in Glenview, and so much more, check out Family Smiles at the Glen online.
