It’s no secret that every parent cares about their child’s health. But it’s important to remember that our kids also look to us as a good example for what is and what isn’t healthy.
When it comes to dental hygiene, it’s better to follow a “practice what you preach” philosophy rather than a “do as I say, not as I do” philosophy. If you tell your kids to brush their teeth twice a day, but don’t brush at night yourself, your kids won’t take your instructions to heart. And if you’ve any dental issues, it is imperative to consider dental solutions like preventative dentistry greeneville.
That said, here are a few ways you and your kids can improve your dental hygiene habits in the new year as a family.
Drink water at dinner
According to a survey of 3,003 Americans, up to 75% of people in the U.S. are chronically dehydrated. Chronic dehydration comes from drinking other beverages throughout the day like coffee, tea, sports drinks, and energy drinks rather than water. Do your best to advocate for drinking water throughout the day but also make it a rule to drink water together as a family during shared meals. This will help you curb dehydration as a family while also cutting back on sugary and acidic beverages.
Curb the energy drinks
When you’re not drinking water, make sure that you’re being careful about your family’s beverage of choice. Researchers found that energy drinks actually resulted in twice as much enamel loss as sports drinks because of their high acidity. Popular beverages like sparkling water have also been found to increase the risk of enamel loss because they increase the acidity of your mouth. When you’re drinking beverages, try to stay away from bubbly and fizzy drinks like energy drinks, soda, and sparkling water. Instead, opt for fruit juice that’s low in sugar.
Don’t skip dentist visits
It’s true that health and dental insurance can be expensive. But it’s just as important for you to go to the dentist regularly as it is for your kids. Only 50% of adults say they visit their dentist every six months and up to 32% of adults say they’re concerned by the look of their teeth. When you don’t visit the dentist regularly for cleanings, your kids may be less likely to visit the dentist themselves when they grow up, too.
Brush your teeth together
Your kids may be old enough to brush their teeth by themselves, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re old enough to brush their teeth unsupervised. According to experts, children should be supervised while they brush their teeth until they’ve reached age 11. Brushing your teeth together as a family will ensure that your kids get into the habit of brushing correctly and for the correct amount of time (two minutes).
Don’t forget to floss
Kids want to do what their parents do to prove that they’re big kids. After you’re done brushing your teeth together, make sure that you and your kids also floss together. Flossing is essential for getting rid of the plaque between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing while young (and watching you do it, too) will encourage your kids to keep flossing as they get older.
Dental health is just as essential as the rest of our health, but often goes ignored save for regular brushing. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your family on the right track toward better dental hygiene together in the new year.
Speak Your Mind