How to Model Better Dental Habits for Your Child

Modeling better dental habits for your child starts with understanding your own relationship to oral health. If you’re one to avoid brushing correctly or flossing every day, you can’t exactly expect your child to do the same. While some kids establish great dental habits in Jay regardless of what their parents do, you stand a better chance if you’re able to step up your own game. Bonus: it can help you protect your teeth and gums for many years to come.

Modeling Habits

If you’re not brushing your teeth at the same time as your child, maybe it’s time to start. Instead of watching over them like a hawk, give them space to work out the issues on their own and then step in with a helpful hint or two. Above, all make sure that you’re brushing for at least 30 seconds per quadrant with a soft-bristled brush using circular motions to remove as much plaque as possible.

Ideally, your child will start flossing at the age of 2 because this sets them up for the best possible lifelong habits. Even though they’ll eventually lose the teeth they’re flossing, you’ll stand a better chance of transitioning them to flossing every day once they get their permanent teeth. If you’re not one for flossing, consider either starting or at least investing in a water flosser.

Visit Your Dentist in Jay

A pediatric dentist in Jay, FL can tell you that your actions mean a lot to your child, even when it seems like they’re off in their own world. At [practice name], we see how families who visit the dentist once every six months and take your child(ren) along for their appointment can cement the importance of oral health long before they can articulate why.