No one is too young to start learning about the importance of health care, especially when teeth are involved. There is nothing more important than instilling the importance of proper oral hygiene to youngsters. This will ensure that they develop optimal oral care habits sand save them the trouble of avoidable tooth woes like gingivitis, dental caries and serious oral concerns.

Here are a few tips from Stoner Periodontal Associates to introduce toddler oral care to the little ones. Before we discuss these tips, please note that it would be best to adopt the Tell-Show-Do approach.

Tell. Toddlers are inquisitive little people and therefore, they need to know why they are asked to do something before they take any interest in it. This is why it is important to explain to toddlers why it is so important to develop healthy oral hygiene habits.

Parents may choose to schedule a visit to a dental practice that specializes in total oral health, like Stoner Periodontal Associates. A qualified professional will be able to answer all the toddler’s questions and learn effective tips to encourage young minds to make brushing and flossing daily habits.

Show. Once the child has learned the importance of this procedure, a parent should demonstrate the procedure to him or her. Watching Mommy or Daddy brush their teeth will make the child more receptive and curious as well.

Have your child observe you brushing your own teeth. This little ritual will help instill proper oral hygiene habits in your impressionable toddler. Please keep in mind that this should be a positive experience to ensure its effectiveness. Therefore, during this development period, a parent should show that there is no pain or discomfort involved in the procedure.

Do. Ask your child to mimic you while you brush your teeth. To make this a pleasant experience, you might want to buy a soft-bristled toothbrush in his or her favorite color and flavored toothpaste as well. This acts as positive reinforcement and will make the task at hand more enjoyable for the toddler.

Parents are encouraged to assist their child in brushing their teeth until they reach the age where their motor skills are fully developed, which is usually at the age of 9. Children aged 6 to 8 may not require physical assistance but it would be best if the parent were to monitor their child to make sure that he or she does not apply too much pressure to the teeth and gums.

The secret to successfully instilling oral hygiene habits is by making this daily habit a fun one. Stoner Periodontal Associates can help parents teach their toddlers proper oral health care.