Teaching Kids Healthy Habits Starts With Taking Care of Your Own Body
This is a contributed post.
Want healthier kids who learn to take care of themselves?
It starts with something few parents ever think about. Lectures and rules do not influence children's habits. What they see you doing every day does that.
And that includes how you treat your own body.
Here's the thing…
If you skip brushing your teeth, avoid the dentist, or ignore your health…
Your kids will notice. They will mimic those behaviors and practice poor habits for years to come.
This makes them more likely to struggle with health problems down the road. Problems that can often be prevented with good habits now.
The good news? The reverse is true too. If you take care of your body, kids will follow suit.
What you're going to learn:
Why Kids Imitate Their Parents Oral Health Habits
Dental Health Plays A Bigger Role In Healthy Kids Than You Think
Dental Implant Alternatives Parents Should Know
Easy Ways To Practice Better Health In Front Of Your Kids
Why Kids Imitate Their Parents Oral Health Habits
Kids learn by watching. It's how they are wired.
Parental behavior has been proven again and again to influence how a child lives their life. So if you eat nutritious foods, stay active and practice good hygiene...
Chances are your children will too.
On the flip side. When parents fail to practice healthy habits kids take notice. They adopt those same bad habits and often struggle to break them later in life.
The CDC agrees. Healthy lifestyle behaviors established in childhood create the foundation for lifelong health. Parents, caregivers and even teachers can have a positive impact by encouraging kids to be healthier.
And oral health is no different.
Allowing your teeth to decay or avoiding the dentist because you have gaps in your smile actually teaches kids it's okay to have poor oral hygiene.
How Dental Health Plays A Role In Healthy Kids
Taking care of your teeth and gums is part of your overall health. But most people don't realize how important oral health is to their overall well-being. They view having healthy teeth and gums as separate from "real" health.
It's not.
Think about it this way…
If you have missing or decaying teeth it's harder to eat healthy foods. You probably grab more convenient foods on the go. Then your family eats these foods too. It becomes a cycle.
…and it starts with you.
Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. That's right at 50% of the population.
A lot of these people want dental implants to fill in the gaps. But did you know dental implants aren't the only option?
Dental implants aren't right for everyone. And they can cost a pretty penny. That's why knowing dental implant alternatives can not only save you money but open your eyes to other options.
Whether it's dental bridges, partial dentures, or implant-supported dentures. Learning your options can help you make a more informed decision. For families exploring affordable restorative care, looking into dental implants Medicaid Illinois can be a great place to start.
Not to mention set a good example for your kids.
Fixing your smile and restoring your teeth shows children that health is important. And while dental implants are the most common solution to missing teeth there are plenty of alternatives available.
These are the best dental implant alternatives.
Dental Implant Alternatives Parents Should Know
Dental implants are popular for a reason. They're the closest thing to real teeth on the market today. But traditional implants require surgery and can be pricey.
Don't have dental insurance? That'll be $3,000 – $4,000 out of pocket.
Plus, you may not be qualified for implants depending on your oral health.
That doesn't mean you're out of options.
There are a few dental implant alternatives that can restore your smile just as well as the real thing. Here are the most common.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are false teeth that are permanently cemented to your mouth. They cover the area where missing teeth used to be and "bridge" the gap between your other teeth.
These appliances look and feel like real teeth. There's no one around anymore that can tell you've had teeth pulled or were born missing teeth.
Partial Dentures
Partials are removable false teeth that attach to your teeth with tiny clips. They can be removed for cleaning and gradually adjusted as your mouth changes.
These are great for people who are missing a couple of teeth.
Full Dentures
These are for people missing most or all of their teeth. Full dentures allow you to eat, speak, and smile normally.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Similar to traditional dentures but these attach to implants in your mouth. They are usually supported by 2-4 dental implants for a secure fit.
Rather than replacing each tooth individually an implant supporting denture bolsters your denture so it only needs clips at certain points.
The options are endless but don't have dentures just because you can.
If you are qualified for dental implants they may be the best route for you. Every situation is different which is why it's important to consult with your dentist to see what they recommend.
The important thing…
Taking care of your teeth matters. Letting decay grow or leaving gaps in your smile teaches your kids it's okay to neglect their teeth as well.
Repairing your teeth and learning about your dental implant alternatives not only sets a good example. It improves your ability to eat healthier foods and take care of yourself.
Easy Ways To Practice Better Health In Front Of Your Kids
Children don't need perfection. They need consistency. Teaching kids healthy habits can start with small steps that turn into bigger goals.
Brushing and flossing twice a day is a great place to start.
Let your kids see you care about your health by practicing good habits in front of them. Here are some of the best ways to set a good example:
Brush and floss with your kids. When kids see you taking care of your teeth, they will want to too.
Bring your kids to the dentist. Making trips to the dentist a family thing can help kids feel more comfortable when it's their turn.
Prepare healthy meals together. Eating as a family is proven to create better eating habits in children. Preparing healthy foods and eating together makes healthy feel normal.
Be open about health. Let your kids know why health is important. Keep it age-appropriate but let them in on the secrets.
Nearly half of children from lower-income families have untreated tooth decay compared to kids from higher-income families.
The CDC's 2024 Oral Health surveillance report shows just how important prevention and building strong habits as a kid can be.
You don't have to be perfect. Just willing to show your kids that health is something you take seriously.
Replace that missing tooth with a dental implant alternative and watch how it benefits not only you but your kids as well.
Pulling It All Together
Kids will learn healthy habits by watching you take care of your body. From good oral hygiene to eating right to going to the dentist regularly.
If you have gaps in your smile or missing teeth you're not alone. And there are dental implant alternatives for everyone.
Talk to your dentist about what they recommend for you. Whether it's implants or dentures your smile can look and feel healthy again.
Parenting is hard, but teaching kids healthy habits doesn't have to be. Let your children see you caring for your body and they will grow to do the same.
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