Teaching children the value of dental maintenance at an early age is the key to a life of good dental health. Start by being unafraid as a parent. A parent who is afraid of the dentist surely has bestowed this fear on their child. Why not? "If Mom and Dad are afraid of Dentists, I should be terrified!" -- That's the message one would be sending. "Do as I do" is the key to making oral hygiene a positive daily practice.
Brush and floss twice daily. Rinsing after a meal is best, along with chewing sugar free gum for 20 minutes. Studies show sugar free gum can help reduce tooth decay and aid in digestion. However, gum isn't a replacement for brushing and flossing.
At home, make a fun game of brushing. Sing a song and brush along. It's time spent together that simultaneously promotes good health.
Get new tooth brushes often. Kids love anything that's packaged and new. Instead of buying bubble gum at the grocery store, why not a new toothbrush? For the younger ones, something with a colorful, cool handle. Spiderman and Hello Kitty make brushing more fun for all.
Be mindful with your kids about procedures they are facing. Assure them that the end result will greatly benefit them. Also understand that Pediatric Dentists are well versed in a vernacular that will explain procedures to children without scaring them. In short, they "speak kid." Cleaning cooties off of your teeth is a procedure any kid would want done. A root canal? Not so much.
Start the game today. Get excited about it and your kids will follow suit. The result? A family with a healthy and bright smile. Contact Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert Jacobson today at 410-665-5205 for more information on how to improve your child's oral hygiene habits.
At home, make a fun game of brushing. Sing a song and brush along. It's time spent together that simultaneously promotes good health.
Get new tooth brushes often. Kids love anything that's packaged and new. Instead of buying bubble gum at the grocery store, why not a new toothbrush? For the younger ones, something with a colorful, cool handle. Spiderman and Hello Kitty make brushing more fun for all.
Be mindful with your kids about procedures they are facing. Assure them that the end result will greatly benefit them. Also understand that Pediatric Dentists are well versed in a vernacular that will explain procedures to children without scaring them. In short, they "speak kid." Cleaning cooties off of your teeth is a procedure any kid would want done. A root canal? Not so much.
Start the game today. Get excited about it and your kids will follow suit. The result? A family with a healthy and bright smile. Contact Baltimore Dentist Dr. Robert Jacobson today at 410-665-5205 for more information on how to improve your child's oral hygiene habits.
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