For some families there’s a battle brewing and it erupts every six months, roughly about the time that a little one has to go in for a regular dental checkup and professional cleaning. Even children who have had nothing but positive experiences in the dental chair might be prone to resisting that bi-yearly appointment. Here are some things to talk to your child about if you’re fighting that good fight.
Does your child have a celebrity actor or musician that he or she admires? If that individual is famous, they almost certainly have great teeth. Talk about the smiles of the people your child idolizes. Emphasize that the only way to achieve these stellar smiles is with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. Encourage them to meet their “smile goal” in the future with a gorgeous, decay-free smile.
Is your child better with images? Do an internet search and find some (lightly) decayed teeth and gums. Show your child what happens when oral hygiene is neglected. Sometimes, seeing the future of mistreated teeth and gums can be very motivating to children.
Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene is linked to major health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. Talk to your child about the mouth being the gateway to the body, and infection and bacteria in the mouth possibly spreading throughout the body. Talk about goals of overall lifetime health, and what an important part oral hygiene plays in that goal.
Talk to your child’s dentist to get more tips about how to get your child on board with creating and maintaining a lifetime of good oral care, including regular professional cleanings and checkups.
