How To: Teach Oral Health to Your Kids

Do you know how many Americans have had a cavity by their 21st birthday? 90%. If that wasn’t shocking enough, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 21% of children between the ages of two and five and 51% of children between the ages of six and eleven already have tooth decay. So, it’s easy to see why teaching your kids about oral health is so important! For a few tips on how to get the message to stick, keep reading.

Tip #1: Start Young

One of the best tips is to make oral hygiene a part of your child’s life from the time they are an infant. Before they even have teeth, you can use a clean, damp washcloth to wipe down their gums. Once their teeth begin to break through the gumline, you can use a small toothbrush to gently clean them. Starting young will ensure that dental care is something they grow up with.

Tip #2: Lead by Example

The “do as I say, not as I do” rule doesn’t apply to oral hygiene. To encourage your child to care for your smile, it’s of the utmost importance that you lead by example. You can do so by brushing your teeth alongside them each morning and evening!

Tip #3: Make It Fun

There is a popular misconception that oral hygiene is boring. It doesn’t have to be! To pique your child’s interest, do what you can to make dental care fun. Try letting them pick their own toothbrush, playing fun songs while brushing, and rewarding their progress along the way.

Tip #4: Read Books About the Topic

Thankfully, there are countless children’s books on everything from oral health and cavities to going to the dentist. In fact, there is a good chance that there is a book that depicts your child’s favorite character too! So, try purchasing a few to incorporate into their nighttime routine.

Tip #5: Create Visual Lessons

Sometimes children learn best when there is a visual element to the concept you’re trying to teach. A fun oral health-related lesson is to cut little teeth from a white styrofoam egg carton. Then, use a dry-erase marker to color the “teeth” that were exposed to smile-friendly foods, like fruits and vegetables. Next, use a black permanent marker to color the ones that were exposed to sugary foods and drinks, like soda and candy. The last step is to have your child use a toothbrush to try and brush the teeth – they’ll quickly see that the unhealthy products are much harder to get off!

Tip #6: Schedule an Appointment with Their Dentist

Like many other dentists, I tell my patients when your child’s first tooth emerges (or around their 1st birthday), you should schedule an appointment. There are a few reasons for this. First, it will ensure that their teeth, gums, and the development of their jaw are consistently being monitored. If any issues arise, like tooth decay, your child's dental team can intervene in the early stages and administer the appropriate treatment. Of course, these periodic visits serve another important purpose: they help teach your child about oral health! At each checkup and cleaning, their dentist will explain what they are doing, why they are doing it, and answer any questions they have along the way.

Naturally, you want to protect your kid and their smile from tooth decay. That way, they have a beautiful smile and healthy bite throughout their childhood! The good news is that the above tips can go a long way. Plus, if you have any additional questions or need some support, you can always ask your child’s dentist.