Teaching Your Child about Dental Care

All kids need to understand the importance of proper dental care. It is best to start taking them to a pediatric dentist and emphasizing healthy dental care habits at an early age, but it is never too late to start teaching something so crucial to their long-term health and well-being. Almost all kids reach an age when brushing becomes their least favorite chore. You can overcome these stages by teaching your child about their teeth. Help your child understand how many teeth they have, the uses of each tooth, and why daily dental care is vital to keeping their smile intact.

You can use this guide to review each type of tooth with your child:

Incisors: There are four on top and four on the bottom, located at the front of the mouth. These eight incisors have chisel-shaped crowns for cutting food.

Canines: There are four canines, located next to each incisor. These teeth have pointed edges to tear food.

Premolars: There are eight premolars, located between the canines and molars. These teeth crush and tear food.

Molars: There are eight molars, located at the back of the mouth. These teeth have wide surfaces for grinding food.

Another great tool for teaching and encouraging dental care is reading. Books can impress important lessons upon your child. You can search for children’s books about dental care online, at your local library, or you can ask your pediatric dentist for his or her recommendations. Finding books that your children love and that teach healthy dental care habits is valuable to their growth and development.

Getting your kids involved in their dental care is important, too. Let them pick out their toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, while giving them guidance on brands recommended by your children’s dentist and that are ADA approved. Loving their toothbrush and toothpaste will make brushing more fun and will help keep their interest, especially during the younger years.