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It’s important to help kids understand the value of brushing their teeth at an early age. However, it can become a real chore to get your children to pick up the toothbrush. The good news is that teaching them how to brush can be fun and enriching with the right methods. Say goodbye to temper tantrums.
Here are five tips to help your kids get excited and motivated in brushing their teeth!
Tip #1: Establish a Routine
Children learn and practice brushing their teeth better with the help of repetition and a steady routine. You can start introducing the importance of brushing by reading books or watching educational videos.
Teaching them about the benefits of good dental hygiene at a young age is important. This will encourage them to take care of their bodies.
After establishing the idea of brushing their teeth, they can be more comfortable adding it to their daily routine.
Establishing healthy lifelong habits is the end goal of having routines at an early age.
Brushing their teeth can be an easier and more fun experience if you do it with them. Children are more likely to brush their teeth when they see their guardians doing the same thing.
Tip #2: Get Your Kids Involved
Letting your children choose their toothbrushes and toothpaste will encourage positive emotions around brushing teeth. Luckily, so many paediatric tools are geared toward children that they can take their time and choose what they like.
Choose age-appropriate dental tools so that they can easily hold them in their hands.
Also, it might be helpful to select a few toothbrushes so they can switch them up from time to time.
Tip #3: Demonstrate Proper Teeth Brushing Habits
Even as adults, we forget how to brush our teeth properly. Here’s a quick refresher to help you demonstrate to your child how to brush the right way:
- Brush the teeth and along the gum line
- Remember to brush along the inside and outside surfaces of the teeth
- Brush in gentle, circular motions
Brushing for at least two minutes twice daily is generally recommended to remove plaque build-up and avoid tooth decay. However, two minutes can seem a very long time for kids.
You can set a timer to give your child visual and auditory cues when to stop brushing. You can also make it fun by listening to their favourite song or making up a game.
Tip #4: Encourage Their Independence
At a young age, children don’t usually have the coordination to brush their teeth properly. However, kids who don’t brush on their own will likely have a harder time making brushing a habit.
Luckily, there are many ways to encourage them to take care of their pearly whites.
One of the methods you can try at home is letting them brush their teeth in front of the mirror. This can help you see if they’re doing it correctly and be able to guide them properly.
You can also narrate the steps to them out loud. After brushing their teeth, you can step in quickly for a brief follow-up to ensure their teeth are clean.
Remember to compliment their brushing skills at the end so they know they did a great job!
Tip #5: Choose the Right Dentist for Your Kids
Your dentist is your right hand as a parent when it comes to advocating good dental habits. Having a trusted dentist can help your kids understand better the reasons behind brushing their teeth.
Dentists can provide feedback on your child’s technique during visits and track their dental health.
It’s essential that going to the dentist is a smooth trip for kids, but that’s easier said than done. Sometimes, children can feel anxious or nervous about going to the dentist, especially if it’s their first time.
Mindfulness exercises can soothe away any pre-dentist stress for kids. Selecting the right dentist can also help ease their stress and let them know they do not need to be scared.
In addition, it’s best to help your child be familiar with regular visits to the dentist as early as possible. This will help them receive the routine professional care they need.
Welcoming Dentist Office in Eugene, OR
At 360 Dental, we meet all your dental needs. Dr. Ari Binder can give you the best care, from dental implants and teeth whitening to general dentistry services.We are dedicated to giving compassionate and comprehensive dental care to help you achieve your most confident smile. We also offer the most advanced diagnostic and treatment methods for aching teeth and gums. Plus, our family-friendly setting and comfortable clinic make it the perfect place for first-time dentist appointments.
If you have questions about our dental services or would like to schedule a consultation, call us at (541) 689-1645 orfill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you the highest-quality dental care.
