Teaching kids to brush their teeth can be a challenge. Parents and caregivers need to take the time and energy to teach kids how to do this properly. As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is brushing for the appropriate amount of time and with the correct technique, but it's also important to find an approach that they'll enjoy and stick with. The following tips will help you get started:
Choosing Your Child's First Toothbrush
Choosing a toothbrush for your child is important. A good way to teach kids how to brush their teeth is with a toothbrush they like. If they don't like their toothbrush, that can be a stumbling block to good oral hygiene. Kids' toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes; some even have different colored handles or cartoon characters on them. There are character brushes for kids who love superheroes, Disney princesses, etc.
Choose Child-Friendly Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another important factor in teaching kids how to brush their teeth. The best kinds of toothpaste for children are the ones that have fluoride but not sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Fluoride helps protect against cavities, while SLS can be harmful if swallowed, so it should never be used by children or anyone who is not an adult.
Teach Kids How to Brush Their Teeth
Kids need to learn how to brush their teeth properly, so teach them the right technique from the beginning. Make sure they brush for at least two minutes or longer if an adult is present to supervise them. Kids should also brush their gums and tooth surfaces and avoid brushing too hard not to hurt themselves.
Use Fun Ways to Remind Them to Brush Their Teeth
Kids need to be reminded to brush their teeth throughout the day, so come up with fun ways for them to remember. One idea is putting a sticker chart on their bathroom mirror where they can see it every morning and night. Give your child stickers after they brush, then reward them once they have enough stickers for an incentive. You can even set a timer that goes off every two minutes to remind them to brush their teeth again, especially after they have eaten something sugary or sticky throughout the day.
Come see us if you're looking for a pediatric dentist to help teach your child good brushing habits. We have the experience and expertise that will make teaching kids about oral health fun. Give our practice a call today!
Our Blog | Water’s Edge Dental | Boise, ID dentist Water's Edge Dental has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Water's Edge Dental, 6657 N. Glenwood Street, Boise, ID 83714-1925 / (208) 391-8554 / watersedgedentalboise.com / 9/15/2024 / Page Terms:dentist Boise ID /
Teaching kids to brush their teeth can be a challenge. Parents and caregivers need to take the time and energy to teach kids how to do this properly. As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is brushing for the appropriate amount of time and with the correct technique, but it's also important to find an approach that they'll enjoy and stick with. The following tips will help you get started: