Our children look up to us and watch everything we do. If we want the best for their teeth and want them to take good care of their own oral health, we need to be a role model. If we don’t take good care of our own teeth, we can’t expect our children to do so. Not only will this provide you with better oral health yourself, you can teach your children that oral health matters. Here are some tips to get you started.
Brush Twice Daily
You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, preferably with your children if they are just learning to brush. This not only shows them that everyone has to brush their teeth, but you can also see if they are brushing for long enough and are brushing their teeth correctly. Explain the importance of brushing twice a day and how it gets rid of invisible germs that build-up on your teeth after you have eaten. Be sure to answer any questions they may have. Brushing your teeth can be a fun experience, especially if you brush together. Play a song for two minutes to make the experience more enjoyable for your child.
Floss
Did you know that your children should also be flossing? If you don’t floss, now is the time to start. Flossing is extremely important for oral health and starting from an early age is the best way to ensure they carry on with this throughout their lives. As soon as your child’s teeth have developed enough to fit closely beside each other, you should be helping them to floss. Most children won’t get the hang of doing it themselves until they get a little older.
Eat Well
What you eat has a huge impact on your oral health, so try to avoid sugary foods and drinks wherever possible. While these may be had as a treat, teaching your children to drink water from an early age is the best way to keep their teeth healthy and white. You should drink mainly water to set a good example, and drinking water is a good habit to get into at any age. Drinking milk is a good way to strengthen teeth and bones too, as are food choices such as nuts, cheese, and lean meat.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
How can you expect your children to regularly visit the dentist if you don’t? Regular check-ups will show your children that dentists are not meant to be feared, and watching you sitting in the dental chair may ease any anxieties they have. Registering with a dentist ensures that you can be a great oral health role model to your children. For an example of a reputable dental clinic, check out Enhanced Dental Studios at https://www.enhanceddentalstudios.com.au/.
There has never been a better time than to improve your own oral health habits for the sake of your children. Following the above tips can help you improve not only your smile but also your children’s.