5 Tips For Teaching Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Here at Oliver Park Dental, there’s a special focus on children at our dental clinic, as their dental care – even more than adults – is central to their health and emotional well being as they grow up.
Our dental office aims to support your child’s oral health and educate you on all the resources that are available to you both at our family dental clinic and around Edmonton.
As parents, it’s also essential for you to teach your children healthy habits – including brushing their teeth. Instilling healthy brushing habits at an early age helps to ensure their dental health in the long run. However, teaching kids to brush their teeth can be challenging. Here are five tips to help make the process easier, more effective, and fun!
1. START EARLY
It’s recommended to start cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. This means you should start teaching your child to brush their teeth as early as possible – and their first dental appointment should be within six months after the presence of their first tooth or their first birthday, whichever comes first. As they get older, they’ll be more likely to develop good dental habits that will last a lifetime.
2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Children learn by example, and this is no different when it comes to their dental health. Make brushing your teeth a family activity and let your child see you brushing your teeth. When they see that you’re doing it, they’ll be more likely to follow suit. You can also make it an enjoyable activity by singing a song or telling a story while brushing.
3. MAKE IT FUN
Make brushing teeth a fun activity, not a chore. Children are more likely to want to brush their teeth if it’s an enjoyable experience. Consider buying a toothbrush with their favorite character, let them pick out their toothpaste flavor, or make a chart to track their progress. By making it a fun experience, your child will be more eager to brush their teeth.
4. TEACH PROPER TECHNIQUE
Brushing your teeth is not just about putting toothpaste on a toothbrush and scrubbing. There’s a proper technique to it that ensures your little ones’ teeth and gums are cleaned effectively. Show your child how to brush in circular motions and make sure they brush all sides of their teeth, including the front, back, and top. And don’t forget to remind them to brush their tongues!
5. BE CONSISTENT
Consistency is key when teaching kids to brush their teeth – which is why we suggest making it a routine activity and sticking to it. Brushing their teeth should be done twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Ensure they brush for at least two minutes each time. By being consistent, your child will develop good dental habits that will stay with them for life.
In conclusion, teaching your kids to brush their teeth doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Start early, lead by example, make it fun, teach proper technique, and be consistent. These tips will help instill good dental habits in your child, ensuring their dental health for years to come.