Children can be quite fussy when you’re trying to teach them proper oral hygiene. While it’s safe to assume that all adults know that they should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day, children simply haven’t had the time to develop the habit yet. However reluctant about brushing their teeth your child might be, it’s important that they get into the habit as soon as possible. Here are a few tips for helping your child develop an excellent oral health routine.
Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth as Soon as They Start Coming In
The earlier you can get your child used to brushing their teeth, the better. It’s not a bad idea to start by cleaning your child’s gums with a damp washcloth after feedings before the first teeth begin erupting. When a few teeth start to emerge, you can use a damp washcloth, gauze pad, or finger brush to gently clean the new teeth and tongue after meals and before putting the child to bed. As more teeth start to emerge, you can use a baby toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Help Your Child Understand Why Brushing Is Important
As your child starts understanding speech, you can explain to them why it’s so important that they brush their teeth every day. Help them understand that, unless their teeth and gums are kept clean, they won’t grow up healthy and strong. Even though baby teeth are going to fall out, they pave the way for the adult teeth to come in straight, and losing them can cause alignment issues later on. Gum disease can begin at an early age and is linked to a variety of chronic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
Teach Your Child Proper Brushing Techniques
Toddlers have a way of being stubborn and unreasonable, so it can be difficult to get them on board with proper brushing techniques. The best way to start teaching them is to model excellent brushing habits yourself. Brush your teeth with them, showing them how you use a small amount of toothpaste and gentle, short, circular strokes to clean all surfaces of your teeth. You can even turn the practice into a game by telling your child about how brushing slays the evil sugar monsters that want to eat their teeth.
Learning proper oral hygiene early sets the stage for a lifetime of excellent oral health. By helping your child develop the right habits, you can help them achieve a beautiful smile that will last them throughout adulthood.
About the Author
Dr. Aarati Kalluri earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Fransisco in 2008, where she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society based on her performance. She stays on top of the latest developments in the dental field by participating in continuing education programs through various local study clubs in the Portland area. Her office in Hillsboro, OR offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on keeping your child’s mouth healthy, contact the office online or dial (503) 352-5116.