Local dentists in Greenville, SC and elsewhere are strong advocates for early oral health training for children and it’s not that hard to see why. A number of recent studies have pointed out the strong link between dental health and overall physical well-being. What better way to ensure good health than starting early. Teach children the importance and the basics of good dental hygiene to prevent the common diseases related to poor dental health. As the Desert Sun’s Ina Paiva Cordle reports:
Dental hygiene is a vital part of overall health, dentist and doctors say. According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health in America, oral diseases and disorders and affect health and well-being throughout one’s life.
In fact, a research study—in which doctors at the University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine participated—has linked periodontal (gum) disease to a heightened risk of heart attack and stroke. Other research has linked poor dental health to Alzheimer’s disease.
Good, reliable information on how to teach kids good dental habits early on are out there. Here are some of them:
Lead by example – It is fairly common knowledge that children learn by example as they are hardwired to imitate what they see adults do. Parents should let their children participate in some daily dental care routine that works for them. Let the routine set into a habit so they can start brushing and flossing on their own when the time comes.
Acquaint kids with the dentist at an early age – As soon as the first tooth emerges, parents are advised to have their child see an accredited pediatric dentist around Greenville, SC or elsewhere. The purpose of doing so is to make the child feel that regular visits to dentists are a part of one’s health regimen while growing up, and that exposure early on ensures that the child accepts and feels comfortable with these visits. In the long run, as studies have pointed out, regularly seeing your dentist is more cost-effective as it can save you as much as 40 per cent in procedures over time, compared to seeing your dentist only occasionally for treatment.
Make it fun – Children are prone to have short attention spans, and repetitive dental care routines can get boring over time. Get creative; parents can use quirky games, songs, or any clever method to make brushing and flossing much more exciting again to the kids.
The approaches to making oral hygiene training fun for children are many. With local clinics, such as Downtown Dental, parents can maximize the training and quality of dental care that their children receive. A healthy and beautiful smile reflects a healthy body.
(Source: Teach Kids about Good Dental Care Early to Protect Their Health, Desert Sun, February 19, 2014)
