Parents, Don’t Ignore These 5 Game-Changing Oral Health Tips for Your Kids!

Starting early is key. Teaching kids to see dental visits as a normal, positive experience helps them build lifelong oral health habits. A stress-free approach now means healthier smiles in the future!

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

FEATURED EXPERT PROFESSOR SEOW LIANG LIN Dean of the School of Dentistry IMU University

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and it’s best to start early.

Yet, according to Professor Seow Liang Lin, Dean of the School of Dentistry at IMU University, many adults instead pass on their dental phobia to their children, setting the stage for poor oral health habits.

Considering this, here are some steps from Prof Seow to ensure good oral hygiene and health from a young age.

#1 START EARLY

• Begin familiarizing children with dental visits by the time they turn 1.
• Regular dental check-ups allow early detection and intervention of potential problems.
• Early intervention can prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort for the child.

#2 MAINTAIN REGULAR CHECK-UPS

• Make use of dental services available at schools.
• Stay updated on your child’s oral health through these check-ups.

#3 BE PROACTIVE

• For children that have a tendency to avoid dental check-ups, consider bringing their sibling or friend for support.
• Plan a small treat after the dental visit to make it a more positive experience.

#4 BUILD A POSITIVE DENTIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP

• Find a dentist that your child trusts and feels comfortable with.
• Regular conversations and education can help address your child’s fears and concerns.
• A good relationship makes your child more receptive to guidance and more likely to attend regular check-ups.

#5 SET A GOOD EXAMPLE

• Parents should act as role models for their children.
• If you have reluctance to visit a dentist, or bring your child to one, you can work on overcoming this reluctance. A counsellor may be able to help if your fears or anxieties are deep-rooted.