Teaching Kids About Boise Dental Health

Parents throughout the Treasure Valley have probably tried every type of motivation — reasoning, nagging, threatening, and even bribery — to get their kids to do things that are good for them. This includes eating vegetables, doing their homework, and brushing their teeth.

Boise Dental Care Is Important

Good Boise dental care is about more than a beautiful smile. First and foremost, it contributes to our self-confidence — and what parent doesn’t want their child to feel happy, confident, and proud of themselves?

What you may not realize, however, is that good Boise dental health greatly contributes to their long-term overall health. Poor dental health is directly linked to diseases including diabetes, obesity, and even heart disease. That’s why it’s important to encourage your children to take care of their teeth. Doing so will set them up for a lifetime of good dental and whole-body health.

Focus On The Big Picture By Starting Early

The best way to teach your child about their dental health is to start early. When they are babies, it’s important to wipe their gums with a soft, wet washcloth after feedings. Once their teeth start to come in, make sure to brush them at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and water.

Around the age of two, a child can start to learn to brush their teeth on their own. However, it’s important that they don’t use fluoride toothpaste until they learn not to swallow it. You can also have them start flossing around the same time. If they haven’t visited their Boise dentist yet, now is the time to make an appointment!

While children don’t have the coordination to brush and floss their teeth like an expert, the key is to teach them by building good Boise dental habits early in life.

Help Them Understand The Basics

• Brush twice a day
• Floss every day
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks
• Visit their Boise dentist regularly

Make it fun!

What parent hasn’t been able to turn a boring or unpleasant chore into something fun like a game? We all have! Below are a few ideas if you need some inspiration to make it more fun:

• Use a sand timer to see who can brush their teeth the longest. Whoever wins gets a sticker!
• Kids like to feel like they have choices — so let them pick out a toothbrush at the store with their favorite character on it or a toothpaste flavor they want to try.
• Give plenty of praise and rewards — just not candy.  

Summit Dental Group

Good oral hygiene at an early age is the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. That’s why there is no substitute for the time you spend with your children while teaching them the fundamentals of caring for their teeth and gums.

At Summit Dental Group, we are here to help. When you bring your child in for a visit, let us know if there are any concerns or issues you’d like to discuss. We promise to make sure your child’s smile is healthy while providing them with a positive, friendly and age-appropriate dental experience each and every time they come to visit us.

If you would like more information about ways to boost your child’s Boise dental health or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (208) 314-2275 today!