Three Important Hygiene Habits for Children
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Children depend on their parents to lead by example and show them how to function in the world. It is important for parents to instill good hygiene habits in their children from an early age, so that they are prepared to lead healthy adult lives. These habits include, but are not limited to, the following.
Brushing and Flossing Teeth
Both children and adults should brush their teeth at least twice per day and floss once per day. To remove plaque from teeth, brushing teeth should take about two minutes. To make sure that they brush their teeth for the correct amount of time, parents can teach children a helpful song to sing to themselves as they brush. In addition, if their children do not have straight teeth south Weymouth MA, parents should take them to see an orthodontist.
Washing Hands
Touching your face with dirty or contaminated hands can make you sick. Touching shared surfaces, like doorknobs or counters, with contaminated hands can make others sick. Children should be taught to wash their hands often, especially after using the toilet, and before eating. Washing hands effectively takes about twenty seconds, or the amount of time that it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
Covering Coughs and Sneezes
If you cough or sneeze openly in a public area, you put those around you at risk of getting sick. Children should learn to cough and sneeze into a tissue or their shoulder, rather than their hands. This way, they will contain their germs to the greatest extent possible.
Parenting involves a great deal of teaching and leadership on a daily basis. By discussing and modeling proper dental hygiene, hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes, parents will ensure that their children have the tools to stay healthy and keep those around them healthy as well.
