starting them young
Getting your kids started on a good oral care routine is so important so we thought we’d help out with your kid’s ABCs the Jordan way! Here’s a simple “ABC” reminder on oral health that will start your family on healthy dental habits. It’s essential that children are guided in the right direction when it comes to learning how to take care of themselves, including their tiny teeth.
A: Attending dental appointments
A huge part of setting your children on the right track is to take them to the dentist as soon as possible.
There is no problem at all with bringing them along with you for your dental appointments, even when they’re babies. It gives them the chance to get used to the different sights, sounds and smells they’ll grow to associate with a dental practice. This also makes it less likely that they will grow up wanting to put off any dental appointments in the future.
When your child comes with you for dental appointments encourage their curiosity about tooth procedures.
B: brushing is a fun activity
Make toothbrushing time something that your children look forward to! Start by getting them to choose their own toothbrush. that has their favourite character and use that character in bedtime stories and imaginary play. it can help them to get excited about brushing their teeth when they can associate it with fun time with mum and dad. You can make it a point to brush your teeth together as a family too to encourage your child to follow what you are doing too.
C: Cut out the sugar
Children don’t tend to develop a taste for anything until they are exposed to it often. You’ll find that good oral health, whether you’re a child or not really does boil down to good and bad habits. The amount and how often children have sugary foods and drinks should be limited, otherwise they may be faced with several health problems going way beyond dental hygiene such as childhood obesity,.
In short, a good diet from birth is essential. Still, water and milk are the best things a child can have throughout the day. Sugary drinks, including fruit juices, should be restricted to meal times only. Try not to give children sweets as a form of reward for good behaviour either.
Generally, a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, fresh fruit and vegetables will give children the best chance of preventing oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay later on in life. Do be careful when you’re out doing your weekly shop though and have a close look at food labels because many of them contain more sugar than you think. “No added sugar” products are guilty of this particular crime! Remember it does not mean sugar-free.