The Importance of Being a Dental Role Model for Your Kids

Parents often tell their kids to brush their teeth when waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night. But, often, simply telling them to do it isn’t enough to motivate them to pick up the toothbrush. Countless parents struggle with teaching their kids the importance of oral hygiene. By setting the right model for your children, you can help them become more diligent about caring for their teeth.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Often, children imitate their parents. This allows them to acquire the skills necessary to survive in this world and they typically do it without thinking. So, it’s super-important that you, as a parent, set the right example for your child.

Children also have the heart-touching habit of looking up to their parents and wanting to mimic their actions consciously to garner their parents’ approval. 

Brush, Rinse, and Floss

Your child’s first encounter with dental hygiene is often watching your own bathroom habits. So, it’s important that you take good care of your own teeth before you ask your child to take care of theirs.

If your child sees that you brush first thing after a meal, they will automatically get the idea that doing so is “the right way.” For kids, parents simply must know the right way, which is why they mimic so much of what you do.

Make It a Family Activity

Even if you’re not going to bed for a few hours, make a point of going to the bathroom to brush and floss with your child. By building this habit, you make sure they will stick with it for life.

Don’t Ignore Your Mouth Either 

If you have dental problems, like a cavity or even a missing tooth, make a point of getting it fixed. For example, look into getting dental implants from www.dentessential.com.au if you have missing teeth.

When you do so, you show your son or daughter that you are not only getting a healthier looking mouth, but also that they don’t need to be afraid of the dentist, as many kids are. Essentially, you are leading by example. 

Thus, it’s important to also keep regular dentist’s appointments and take good care of your own teeth. Then you are ensuring that your child will take care of theirs too.

Warn Them about the Results of Not Brushing Regularly

Adults usually assume that everyone knows that poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities, bacteria, and even tooth loss. But kids don’t know that. 

Or, even if they’ve heard it, it hasn’t had time to become something they know to be true yet. Thus, remind them of the consequences of not brushing regularly. Don’t assume that telling them once will suffice.

Final Words on Being a Dental Role Model

It is your job as a parent to keep their teeth safe and healthy, even if you must tell them countless times. The bottom line is that, as a parent, you must care for your own teeth to show your children the importance of dental hygiene. Doing so can save you both from significant dental issues over time.