If you have small children, you may have already discovered that trying to get them into the habit of brushing their teeth can be challenging.
While you may think you can shift the focus to when their permanent teeth start showing up, this may make teaching your kids new habits a lot more difficult.ย
Your paediatric dentist will be the first to point out that childrenโs dental care should start as early as possible.
With that in mind, this post explores a few of the top ways that you can encourage small kids to get into the habit of brushing and flossing without a fuss.ย
Baby Teeth are as Important as Permanent Teeth
Good oral hygiene starts at a young age. Taking care of your childrenโs teeth will encourage strong, properly formed teeth, which also facilitates speaking and chewing.
Not only will healthy teeth help to prevent gum disease, but they will also give them the confidence to smile and laugh without feeling shy or embarrassed by weak or broken teeth. Here are a few of our expert tips to keep in mind.ย
1. Help them develop the Habit Early On
The golden rule in childrenโs dental care is to start the process as early as possible. Our dental experts recommend cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after each feeding. This not only teaches them that teeth need to be cleaned but also prevents infant dental issues.
As they grow, it will be easier for you to replace the cloth with a soft baby toothbrush because theyโll already have learned the habit of teeth cleaning. This will go a long way toward laying the foundation for them to brush their teeth.
2. Teach Your Children to Mimic Your Behaviour
One of the best times to teach your little ones to brush their teeth is when theyโre going through their โdo what the grownups are doingโ phase. Children can easily develop new habits when they routinely see their parents doing the same thing.
Encourage your children to brush their teeth with you in the mornings and evenings. Make a huge deal of the aspects theyโre getting right.
When they see that you take your dental hygiene seriously, theyโre more likely to do the same. Use this time to discuss the importance of oral health, why teeth are important and how to keep them healthy.ย
3. Make it Exciting
Your children are less likely to pick up the habit and stick with it if they sense that itโs a chore that even you donโt like.
The trick here is to make the tooth brushing process fun and exciting. Show enthusiasm and keep encouraging them to embrace the habit.ย
Start by letting them choose their own toothbrushes. Be sure to look out for cartoon characters and colourful ones that you know theyโll find appealing. Accompany this with different flavoured toothpastes.
Create a chart that uses stickers and stars to track brushing and flossing. Set up a target which can be rewarded when achieved.
Look for songs that can turn daily dental care into a game rather than a chore. Encourage bigger kids to teach smaller siblings what theyโve learnt. Reward their โsupervisoryโ skills.
4. Visit the Dentist Often
Donโt wait until your children have a dental problem to take them to the dentist. This will only create a fear of going when they need to. Going for regular checkups will help prevent any issue from getting worse.
Paediatric dentists will always go the extra mile to make kids feel as comfortable as possible with having their teeth looked at.
Encourage your children to ask questions about the processes, equipment, and other general concerns they may have.ย
Make an effort to put them at ease by answering their questions as effectively as possible. Use pictures, videos, and real-life success stories to get the message across. Itโs essential to answer these questions in a way thatโs age-appropriate so that they can understand.
5. Curb the Sugar Early On
Donโt wait for kids to develop a love for sugar before you start limiting their intake. The trick here is to replace sugary treats with healthier alternatives.
Encourage your children to eat carrot sticks, apple slices, and other fresh fruit and veggies as snacks. Look for healthy ways to add flavour to these snacks to make them more appealing.ย
Encourage them to drink water throughout the day. This will not only keep them hydrated, but the water will also help wash food debris out of their mouths. Be sure to educate your kids on cavities, the causes, and the best ways to prevent them.
Final Thoughts
The secret to good dental care for your kids starts with being patient and focusing on daily reminders and encouragement.
Use our tips and guidelines combined with regular visits to the family dentist or paediatric dentist. Speak to your dentist for additional suggestions that will help your children learn the necessary habits that will help them maintain their teeth for the rest of their lives.ย
