About 20% of kids between the ages of 5 and 11 have a tooth that is decayed, according to CDC. Kids should start caring for their teeth as soon as the first one comes in. You’ll keep your kids from dealing with cavities and other painful gum diseases. Not as easy as it sounds, right? It is challenging to keep kids’ teeth clean. Most kids hate brushing their teeth, and you can’t figure out why. Most likely, they don’t like how fluoride tastes in their mouths. Still, it would be best if you were firm about getting your kids to brush their teeth daily. It can be hard to teach kids to brush their teeth. Use these tips to get them interested in their oral health.
Talk with Your Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentists treat and care for children’s mouths. All those years of dental school and extra training are good for you as well as your child. Your child’s dentist will be happy to answer any questions you have about his or her teeth. They are especially good for showing your child how to brush his or her teeth properly.
Here are some questions to ask your child’s dentist:
- How to brush the right way
- What kinds of toothpaste to use
- Fluoride is used in
- How to tell a child why it’s important to brush their teeth
- A pediatric dentist can also answer questions about flossing, tooth sealants, and mouthguards.
Dr. Katy is more than happy to sit down with you at Dental Land for Kids to talk about your child’s oral health and how to take care of their teeth.
One Special Toothbrush
A special toothbrush is one tool that will make it easy to teach kids how to brush their teeth. Your kids will be excited about a new toothbrush. You can go shopping together for a new one. Most likely, your child will choose a toothbrush with bright colours. A brush with a cartoon theme will also be better. Kids will be excited about the activity because they will get to use a Mickey Mouse toothbrush. Please make sure the brush is soft enough while you’re at it. You don’t want to get your baby a toothbrush that will hurt his or her gums. Every 3 to 4 months, you should get a new brush.
Also Read: How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Brush Your Teeth Together
Kids love to act like grown-ups. If you want your kids to brush their teeth, show them how to do it. Brush your teeth together every day. It can be fun to brush your teeth as a family. Your kids will think well of the activity. Because of the excellent feedback, they’ll look forward to brushing their teeth. Please don’t force your kids to brush their teeth with harsh words. Give them time to get used to what’s going on. Allow them watch the adults and gently teach them.
Also Read: Benefits Of Wearing A Mouthguard During Contact Sports
Let the Kids Try Brushing Their Teeth on Their Own
Let your toddler or preschooler try to brush their teeth in front of a mirror once they know how to hold the toothbrush correctly. Most kids learn best when they do things. But again, little kids need to have the skill to brush all the surfaces of their teeth well. Parents should help their kids brush their teeth until they are around seven years old. So, please have your child brush his or her own teeth first while you watch. Then, if necessary, you can do a quick follow-up to get rid of any still plaque. Using a mirror will help them stay on task and let them see what they are doing. If kids never brush their teeth on their own, it will be hard for them to learn how to do it when they are older.
These tips will help you show your kids how to brush their teeth. If your child still has trouble brushing his or her teeth after trying these things or doesn’t like to do it, let us know, and we can help. Our dentist for kids in Dental Land is an expert at assisting families in coming up with great ways to care for kids’ teeth at home to keep them healthy and strong. Call us today to set up a visit in Summerhill, Toronto!