Tips from a Family Dentist for Encouraging Good Oral Health

If you are a parent trying to instill good dental habits, or even just an individual looking to up your oral health game, there is plenty of advice out there. The real challenge is sifting through all this information. Sometimes, it is best to hear tips straight from the source: a family dentist.

Oral health for beginners

Encouraging good oral health starts with surrounding the routine of dental hygiene with positivity. Try to think of the act of brushing your teeth as something you want to do, not just something you have to do. Flossing is an important part of your dental health, so treat it as you would brushing and never skip it.

Many individuals are sensitive to the harsh taste of mint toothpaste. If this is the case, try reaching for a toothpaste with a mild flavor. Berry-flavored floss is another great option.

Something to look forward to

Get excited about brushing your teeth. Giving your kids rewards for brushing and flossing will make the act of it enjoyable. Try associating your oral health routine with a favored activity. The recommended time for brushing your teeth is two minutes. Consider making a playlist with your favorite two-minute songs on it as a fun countdown for each session.

Encourage your kids to brush and floss on their own by creating a rewards system. A sticker chart is a fun way to track progress and help your child feel accomplished.

Stay organized, make it easy on yourself

Make sure everything you need is at your fingertips. This way, it is harder to talk yourself out of your daily brushing and flossing routine. Make it as easy as possible to follow through with good hygiene. Set yourself up for success by choosing a toothpaste you like, a toothbrush that has a comfortable grip and single-use flossing picks.

One thing that stops people from flossing is getting around dental devices that make it difficult to reach some areas. Oral appliances like braces or a permanent retainer can halt your efforts. Useful tools like floss threaders can refuel your inclination to floss.

Follow proper technique

Your dental routine should consist of the following:

• Brushing in small circles
• Being careful to reach every side of each tooth
• Using a fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing once daily before brushing teeth for bedtime
• Getting a professional cleaning every six months to reinforce dental health

Letting your kids watch you brush your teeth can give you a chance to show them the proper technique. As an added plus, helping them through this task will give you the opportunity to bond with them over this new experience. A pleasant first impression will inspire your children to brush by their own choice.

Healthy eating habits

Finally, diet is just as important as hygiene when it comes to dental health. Minimize snacking throughout the day. Instead, go for meals that are high in calcium, protein and vitamin C. Knocking bad habits early will ensure your teeth will stay in great shape for as long as possible. Follow these tips to encourage your kids, and yourself, to keep up with good oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.