October 20, 2021

How To Teach Your Child To Brush His Or Her Teeth!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates that 42 percent of children aged 2 to 11 suffer tooth decay.

Teaching your children proper dental hygiene habits at a young age will help them avoid tooth decay later in life.

Some parents believe that because baby teeth eventually fall out, they do not need to be concerned about cavities.

Healthy baby teeth, on the other hand, can lead to healthy adult teeth.

Inadequately cared-for baby teeth might cause your child’s adult teeth to come in crooked or out of alignment later in life, resulting in painful and/or expensive therapy.

Your child’s initial adult teeth determine their face shape, so good dental health while they’re young can affect more than just their teeth, but also their face shape and the health of their adult teeth.

When Should You Begin Brushing?

Oral hygiene should be practiced from an early age. After each meal, an infant’s mouth can be cleansed.

Simply cradle their head in one hand while wiping their mouth with a moist cloth or xylitol wipe with the other.

Brushing can begin as soon as their teeth begin to emerge.

Brushing is crucial early on since germs and acid (which harms teeth) can build up if you don’t.

Brushing before bedtime, in particular, will reduce build-up and damage from chemicals such as:

Milk • Juices • Formula • Sugary Beverages • Sodas • Etc.

Assist Your Child in Brushing Properly

Around the age of two, your child may be ready to begin cleaning his or her own teeth. Transitioning to this isn’t always easy, but we’re confident that with this advice, your toddler will be brushing their own teeth in no time!

FIRST AND FOREMOST, SHOW THEM!

Showing kids how to brush their own teeth is an obvious first step in training them. Show them how to do it in front of a mirror and explain what you’re doing to maintain their attention before handing them the duty of doing it all themselves.

#2: EXERCISE

They aren’t going to become master tooth brushers on their first try. For the first few times, don’t be scared to hold their hand and brush their teeth jointly as they get the hang of it.

#3: SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW

As part of your daily regimen, brush your teeth every morning and evening. They’ll be more inclined to want to learn if they see you doing it, so they can show they’re as mature as you!

#TAKE TURNS

If their teeth aren’t getting clean enough when they brush on their own, take turns cleaning their teeth for them, with you brushing once during the day and them brushing before night. That way, they’ll be reminded of how to do it properly on a regular basis.

#5: HAVE FUN WITH IT

Finally, brushing should not be viewed as a work or a punishment. Make brushing their teeth enjoyable for them by playing music, establishing a reward system, doing it with them, or allowing them to select their own toothpaste and toothbrush.

Important Reminders

Here are some of the most important things to consider:

Hopefully, some of these pointers were helpful! Our pediatric dentist would be pleased to offer you more advice or recommendations for teaching them how to clean their teeth more effectively, call today to schedule an appointment!