Good dental care is an essential part of caring for your child's health, so you need to teach them the importance of oral hygiene. Because plaque, tartar, and cavities can be difficult concepts to grasp, here are some ideas about how to explain dentistry in kid-friendly ways.

3 Tips to Clarify Cavities & Dental Care for Kids

1. Use Age-Appropriate Terms

Young children may have a hard time understanding bacteria. Instead, you can tell them about the tiny sugar bugs that live in their mouth and eat teeth, or you can explain their teeth will get sick if not cared for correctly. When you brush your child's teeth, you're washing away the sticky gunk where the sugar bugs live so teeth can be clean and happy. As your child gets older, update them with more details and correct terms at their pace.

2. Try Books

If your child is more of a visual learner, look for kids' books about dental care. Some classic titles include “Just Going to the Dentist” by Mercer Mayer and “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist” by Stan and Jan Berenstain, which will help explain the necessity of dental appointments and ease your child’s apprehension.

3. Visit a Kids' Dentist

Your child needs regular trips to the dentist to keep their teeth healthy and identify any problem spots. While you're there, ask the dentist to explain to your child why brushing and flossing are so important. Pediatric dentists are experts at working with kids and explaining dental care, and they'll put their experience to good use with your child.

If your kid needs a dentist in Honolulu, HI, to teach them about proper dental care, choose Pedodontic Associates. Serving the islands of Oahu and Maui, they have over 25 years of experience in their field and were awarded 2011's "Best Dentists in Hawaii" by Honolulu Magazine. To schedule a visit for routine or emergency care, call their Honolulu location at (808) 735-1733, Aiea at (808) 487-7933, or Kahului at (808) 877-0066. You can also find out more about their offerings online.