Good dental hygiene isn’t only important for the kids, it’s also essential for parents. Being a parent comes with various responsibilities that include setting a good example for kids, like properly caring for their teeth.
It’s also recommended that you have a family dentist to help you achieve your dental goals. If you’re around Texas, Fabulous Dentistry in Houston is highly recommended.
Your dental hygiene will affect how your kids feel about taking care of their teeth and how they develop their own dental hygiene habits. Moreover, any dental problems will affect not just the person concerned, but also the whole family’s budget and time. Thus, it’s crucial for the whole family to develop good dental hygiene.
To convince you even further, here are important reasons why your family should have good dental hygiene:
1. Establish the Importance of Oral Health
Lack of proper dental care triggers many inconvenient and painful effects in children and even in adults. One of the consequences of not taking care of your teeth and gums is tooth decay, which can be painful and irreversible if not prevented or treated in its early stages.
Lack of attention and treatment of tooth decay can cause tooth and gum infections and tooth loss. These dental diseases can compromise a child’s ability to function in their daily activities, such as eating or sleeping well. Furthermore, the unattractive appearance of untreated tooth decay can lower a child’s social development and self-esteem.
Dentists recommend teaching your kids the basic skills of oral health early on. From infancy up to two years old, parents are responsible for taking care of their kid’s teeth and gums. As soon as the first set of teeth comes out, the teeth should be brushed regularly.
When the child turns four years old, it’s suggested that parents teach their kids the basics of dental hygiene. Teach them the basic rules of flossing every day, brushing twice or thrice each day, avoiding sugary and starchy foods, and visiting the dentist regularly. Emphasizing these steps will prevent dental problems.
2. Setting an Example
Teaching your child the importance of oral care is an investment in their health, which will have long-term benefits. A great way to start is by setting an example in taking good care of their teeth and gums. The moment your kids are all grown up, they’ll make it a habit to properly take care of their dental hygiene.
To set a good example of a good dental hygiene, you must include oral health in your priorities. If the child sees that you’re not serious with taking good care of your teeth, they won’t take brushing seriously either.
Here are some ways to set a good example for your kids when it comes to dental hygiene.
- Choose healthy foods. You can help lower your child’s risk of developing tooth decay by giving them healthy food choices and showing them that you eat these foods, too.
If your child observes that you choose to eat fruits instead of a cupcake, they’ll also be encouraged to make healthy food choices, too.
- Brush together. You can teach your child how long and how to brush and floss their teeth by allowing them to watch you. If you’re always in a hurry to finish brushing, your child will likely not give much time and effort in brushing either. Brush together with your child for two minutes.
- Regularly visit the dentist. Going to the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams is crucial for good dental health. However, not everyone likes visiting the dentist and would only do so when they have a toothache.
When your child observes that you don’t like going to the dentist, they may not want to go either. However, if your kid knows that dental checkups are part of your routine and you show it as a good experience, your child will also feel good about going to the dentist.
3. Preventing Dental Problems
It’s essential to develop good dental hygiene for the whole family to proactively prevent dental problems in the future. Prevention is so much more affordable than getting a problem treated. It’s also more convenient and comfortable when you don’t have any dental problems in the family.
4. Maintaining Overall Health
Having good dental hygiene is key to maintaining your family’s overall health. The objective of practicing good oral habits is to prevent the formation of plaque and tartar, which leads to a host of problems including tooth decay, gum diseases, and halitosis or bad breath.
Final Thoughts
Good dental hygiene should be made a priority in your family. Teaching your kids early about proper oral care and setting an example to them ensures that they continue taking care of their oral health for numerous benefits.
While there are many treatments and procedures to address dental problems, prevention is more cost-effective, convenient, and comfortable for all members of the family.