Dealing with divorce is a challenging time for parents. Worse, it is even more difficult for children, especially for those who are too young to fully understand what is happening.
Being divorced, however, is not an excuse to neglect one’s responsibility as a parent. With such, parents should be mindful of their coparenting duties. Among others, one of the most important is to be proactive in promoting the well-being of the little ones, specifically their dental health.
Read on and we’ll share some of the best things to do to ensure good dental health in children even during divorce.
Tips and Tricks to Promote Dental Health During Divorce
A good parenting job during divorce means not letting go of responsibilities to your children. Among others, one of the most important is making sure that dental health remains a priority, which is possible by doing the things mentioned below. Both parents should be proactive in making sure that they are doing their part.
1. Get Duplicate Dental Tools
From toothbrushes to floss, make sure that the child has duplicate tools necessary for a healthy oral care routine. When you are coparenting, chances are, you live separately. Instead of having a child pack his or her must-haves for oral care routine, it is best to have them ready in both homes. Such tools are affordable, so it won’t hurt to have them easily accessible when needed.
Speaking of dental tools, choose the right toothbrush, making sure that it is age-appropriate. The right toothbrush should have a big handle, small head, good grip, and bright design. It should be ergonomic and enticing to encourage children to brush their teeth. Check out this guide for more information.
2. Find a Trusted Dentist
As soon as the first tooth erupts, which happens approximately in the sixth month, a child should see a dentist. Divorced parents should talk about how to find a dental professional to take care of the oral health needs of their child. Reduce dental fear by finding an experienced professional who can deal with little patients.
3. Set-Up Dental Reminders
When parents are separated, it can be difficult to keep track of schedules involving their children, including dental visits. You can prevent this by setting up a dental reminder when it is time to see a dentist, which should happen at least twice a year. The visit can be more frequent for those with special dental needs, including those with braces or undergoing any treatment.
4. Be Clear About Finances
The cost of prioritizing dental health can be a financial strain on some parents. As a part of the divorce agreement, specify the responsibilities of each parent, such as who will pay for regular dental visits and treatments. When you have a clear contract, you don’t have to fight about who will shoulder the expenses as the expectations have already been set from the start.
5. Get a Dental Insurance
As mentioned, dental health can be costly. To minimize the financial burden, get the right insurance. During a divorce, some insurance policies can be modified or even voided, depending on the terms and conditions. Check the policy to be sure. If it is no longer valid, immediately sign up for a new policy for your peace of mind.
6. Make It Fun
Divorce is a stressful time for both parents and children. As a result of stress, kids can forget about their dental care routine, including regular tooth brushing and flossing. To prevent such, incorporate fun elements into the routine. For instance, this is possible by playing their favorite music or watching videos while they brush their teeth. More so, you should do it together, so you can teach them how to do it right.
7. Incorporate Play
Speaking of making things fun, incorporating play is also an effective method of instilling a dental care routine. In the same way that you can teach family values through play, it will also engage children when you are teaching them about oral health. One thing you can do is to make a model mouth. You can also make DIY toothpaste. These activities are not only fun, but they can also be good bonding activities.
8. Stock Up on Teeth-Friendly Snacks
When kids are leaving in different houses, one of the most common challenges is their food. They can be eating different foods when they are with either parent. Create a healthy meal plan, including snacks that promote what is best for their oral health. Fruits and vegetables are must-haves, including those that contain calcium for stronger teeth. Avoid those with artificial sugars as such can contribute to tooth decay.
9. Ask Questions
For some kids, silence is one of the ways by which they deal with the separation of their parents. When they do not talk, it is more challenging to monitor their oral health. In some cases, they might already be feeling pain, but they won’t say a word. Always ask questions. Ask them how they are feeling and act immediately. The longer you wait, the worse the dental problem can turn out.
10. Supervise Closely
It is difficult for kids to be living in different households as a part of the coparenting setup during a divorce. Keep a close eye on their dental needs. Make sure that they are sticking to their routine. Discipline children, so they will build a habit. The younger the kids are, the closer the supervision that they need. From regular brushing to a healthy diet, see to it that both parents are hands-on when promoting oral health.
In Closing
Even during divorce, parents must be mindful of their responsibilities to their children, including prioritizing dental health. By doing the things above, it is possible to make coparenting easier, making sure of the best oral wellbeing for the little ones. Do not make children feel that their needs are neglected. Especially when they are too young, they need their parents to be hands-on in ensuring good dental health.
