Young children love to imitate their parents’ actions and behaviors.
Parents of young children know that getting kids to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like pulling teeth. Kids have a long history of disliking dental care, which can frustrate parents who know the importance and long-lasting benefits of proper dental hygiene.
While many youngsters may never excitedly run to the bathroom to brush their teeth, parents can try various approaches to get kids to embrace proper dental care.
Start early
Parents should not hesitate to begin cleaning kids’ teeth once the first tooth appears. The earlier dental care is part of a child’s routine, the more likely he or she is to accept it as part of everyday life. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using a soft-bristled brush with a small head. Ideally, use a toothbrush designed for infants, brushing teeth once per day at bedtime. The AAPD advises taking kids to visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than the child’s first birthday.
Make it a group effort
Young children love to imitate their parents’ actions and behaviors, and moms and dads can use that adoration to their advantage when trying to get kids to brush their teeth. Brush teeth together as a family, making it seem like an enjoyable twice-daily activity. Get down on kids’ level and show them how to brush. If kids are resistant, engage them in conversation while brushing so they don’t even realize they’re cleaning away.
Involve kids in choosing their dental care products
While parents should be mindful of the type of toothbrush their children use, always sticking with products recommended by their child’s pediatric dentist, let youngsters choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. Kids might prefer a particular flavor of toothpaste, and a colorful toothbrush with a favorite film or television character might make kids more enthusiastic and less fussy about brushing.
Complement kids after positive dental appointments
When pediatric dentist appointments go well, compliment children and express your pride in them for taking dental hygiene as seriously as they do.
Children should be urged to floss regularly in addition to brushing. However, flossing can be cumbersome for youngsters who have yet to develop the dexterity needed to manipulate dental floss. There are many products available and techniques that can be used to assist children with cleaning between their teeth. The following are some flossing tips for kids.
Begin the introduction to floss early
The younger children are introduced to floss, the more likely they are to embrace flossing as part of their oral hygiene routine.
Show visual proof of the benefits of flossing
Oftentimes, children are more likely to respond to something they can see. Show pictures of dental decay and what occurs when proper oral hygiene is not followed. This may help make the concept of flossing more attractive.
Get the proper tools
Kids cannot floss unless they have floss products on hand. There are various age-appropriate flossers and types of dental floss available. Children may not be able to use dental floss properly because of a lack of dexterity. However, floss picks are much easier to hold and work between the teeth, particularly for kids with small hands. Floss should always be on hand, whether at home or when you go on vacation.
Let kids choose
Take kids down the dental aisle at the store and let them pick and choose which products they want to use. They may be more excited to brush and floss if they're using something they picked out themselves.
Lead by example
Children will be more likely to floss if they see their parents flossing. That means adults should floss regularly and let their children watch and learn.
