If you’re the parent or guardian of a small child, you’re responsible for caring for their health until they’re old enough to take on that task themselves. For instance, you’ll need to help them clean their mouths twice daily until they can hold and manipulate a toothbrush or floss to prevent dental problems like cavities or gingivitis.
However, many kids resist tasks that they consider chores, like brushing and flossing. Continue reading to learn about 3 helpful tips that might encourage them to participate more willingly!
Tip #1: Start Early
Many well-meaning parents mistakenly assume that they don’t need to be overly worried about their little one’s dental health until all their baby teeth arrive. Unfortunately, they may already have developed issues by then.
You can ensure that their still-developing smile remains healthy by cleaning their mouths consistently earlier than their teeth arrive. For instance, you can wipe your baby’s gums down with a damn washcloth to remove bacterial growth after feeding to prevent gum disease that can affect how their teeth grow. Then, you can gently brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush when they’re about one year old, and their first pearly white appears. That way, they’ll learn the importance of dental hygiene as they grow and may be more likely to participate when they’re older.
Tip #2: Pick the Right Products
Many children avoid brushing their teeth because strong, minty pastes can overpower their tastebuds, or overly hard bristles feel aggressive against their gums. By allowing them to choose the tools for the job, you can encourage them to take more of an active role in their own oral care.
For example, most stores carry various oral care products for children. You can find various kid-friendly flavors of toothpaste, like bubblegum or strawberry, and let them pick their favorite. You might also let them choose a soft-bristled toothbrush in their favorite color or with a beloved hero or other character. If your kid likes to have a choice in their activities, then giving them the power to pick their supplies might encourage them to clean their mouths consistently.
Tip #3: Make it Fun
Your child learns about appropriate habits and behaviors by watching you, so you might encourage them to take better care of their teeth by turning it into a fun family game. You and your little one could brush your teeth together, for instance, and compete to see who can get their mouth cleaner. You might also sing or hum their favorite song for two minutes to ensure they’re scrubbing their enamel long enough to remove unwanted germs and plaque. You can even try setting a timer and ask them to see how many “sugar bugs” they can get rid of before it goes off.
If you’re still struggling with your child’s daily dental hygiene routine, you can ask your pediatric dentist for tips. They may have a few creative ideas of their own that you haven’t tried yet!
Meet the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan has 10+ years of experience helping patients from 0 to 18 build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental doctorate at Temple University, where she also completed her Orthodontic Certification. Now, she offers a comprehensive array of services conveniently under one roof to help children enhance their quality of life by improving their oral health. She combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to help your child feel at ease while delivering accurate, long-lasting treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (678) 456-5572.