Children are sponges. They are constantly examining the world around them, learning, and mimicking. You might have experienced this in the car one day when your child suddenly looks out the window and offers less-than-polite commentary about the driving of others around them. And you know they didn’t learn those behaviors on their own—they saw them, and picked them up.
While that could be an embarrassing reminder, we need to be aware that kids are always watching. During their formative years, in particular, it’s of the utmost importance to instill what healthy habits you can. This includes creating a good tooth–brushing routine, setting the standard to visit the dentist twice a year, and to avoiding habits that can lead to tooth decay.
If you are looking for a family dentist in Carrollton, we would be happy to help support healthy habits with your children at Josey Lane!
Build an oral health routine early
It’s important to begin a comprehensive oral health routine with your child early, even in infancy. This is the best way to ensure that habit is ingrained before they reach the defiant toddler years.
Start by using a wet washcloth to gently wipe off your baby’s gums after a nighttime feeding. As they start to grow teeth, transition to a child-sized toothbrush with a small, rice-grain sized drop of toothpaste, and brush what teeth they have twice a day.
Mouthwash isn’t encouraged until the elementary school years since it takes significant coordination to swish and not swallow, but when you think your child is mature enough to use it, incorporate that into their nightly routine.
With these simple habits, by the time children are old enough to brush their teeth on their own, they should have a routine that makes it all feel less stressful.
If you’re having trouble making the habit stick, try making the experience more fun. Whether that means making a special trip to the store for toothbrush with a favorite character on it, or selecting toothpaste in bubblegum flavor, these little things make a big difference. The bedtime routine can also be a great opportunity to invest in time together to create memories (and habits along the way). Try letting your child brush your teeth before you brush theirs, or take a minute to make up silly songs together to pass the time while you count the seconds brushing. If your child looks forward to their oral health routine, it will increase the likelihood it will stick.
Building a healthy oral habits with your partner
In the United States, almost 75% of all adults admit to at least some level of fear of the dentist office. Fear is a powerful force that can convince you not to do even essential things.
If your partner is experiencing fear or anxiety around dental visits, that is completely normal. And instead of making ultimatums or threats, you can help by way of example. Unlike children (who can be forced to an appointment), we can’t do the same to an adult. Instead, encourage your partner to discuss fears with the dentist. Many patients will be surprised just how normal these fears are.
If you do want to try talking it out with your partner, calmly discuss the overall health risks of not addressing dental health. This includes an increased risk of heart disease, complications from diabetes, and infections. This conversation should come from a place of love. Ask your partner what you can do or provide to help the process become easier.
Oral health tips for seniors
Many of us are in family roles where we not only care for our kids and their oral health issues, but also for our aging parents. It can be uncomfortable to change roles and become their caregivers. However, just like with your child or partner, it’s important to lead with compassion and care.
Oral care is important at any age, but as we get older, dental hygiene becomes even more critical. Seventeen percent of seniors age 65 and over have periodontal disease (infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone) according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. If you are looking for help or resources in this stage, give our Carrollton office a call for help.
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