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Kids and Teeth: Establishing Oral Care Early On

Jul 20, 2022 | Family Dentistry

child dental patient

Children do not know how to brush their teeth or hold a brush so it is vital to teach your children about proper oral care. Kids Brushing their teeth is something they should learn and practice from early on for them to keep the teeth and gums healthy. As a parent, you understand that it’s a battle with your child to maintain their hygiene, especially brushing their teeth.

Not only do you want your children to keep their teeth clean for health reasons, but healthy teeth will help you avoid expensive trips to your Colorado Springs Dentist due to teeth problems. Also, good oral hygiene is one of the factors for the strong health of the kids. Protecting their teeth, mouth, and gums early on will lead to better health as they grow into adulthood. Establishing oral care for your kids early on is essential, but many parents find it hard to do.

child dental patient

According to CDC.gov:

  • More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their baby (primary) teeth.
  • More than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth.
  • Children aged 5 to 19 years from low-income families are twice as likely (25%) to have cavities, compared with children from higher-income households (11%).

But the good news is that cavities are preventable. Fluoride varnish can prevent about one-third (33%) of cavities in the primary (baby) teeth.3 Children living in communities with fluoridated tap water have fewer cavities than children whose water is not fluoridated.4 Similarly, children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste will have fewer cavities.5

This article discusses fun tips you can follow to establish a solid oral care culture for your kids.

Tips on Teaching Kids About Brushing

  • Brush your teeth together

One of the ways you can instill strong dental hygiene practices in your child is by brushing your teeth together. Parents should make brushing time fun and turn it into bonding time with their kids. You can ask them to follow what you do; as a result, they will enjoy it and learn how to do it correctly. This method will ensure they brush for the recommended time under your supervision.

  • Make it a routine from an early age.

For the kids to know how to brush their teeth properly, let them do it from an early age. Doing it every day from an early age instills a routine, and they will become comfortable doing it regularly.

The parents should work together and teach them the importance of brushing their teeth daily. Also, teach them the effects of not doing it, like the formation of cavities on the teeth, bad breath, and tooth decay. This makes them willing to do it rather than experience the effects of avoiding it.

  • Allow them to pick their favorite toothbrush and paste.

When you want to buy a toothbrush or paste for your child, take them to the store and allow them to pick their favorite ones. With so many color patterns and designs, let them choose different colors that they can choose whenever they want. Also, make sure you buy different flavors since some aren’t enjoyable for them when brushing. This will make the process enjoyable when choosing the brushes and paste they like.

brushing teeth

  • Compliment their brushing skills every time.

When parents compliment a child whenever they do something good, it usually motivates them and boosts their morale. As a parent, it is recommended that you always complement your brushing skills and encourage them to do it every day. It is a great way to establish a strong oral care culture that will follow throughout their lives.

  • Let them play pretend on stuffed dolls.

If the children have stuffed animals or dolls, let them practice brushing their teeth on them. It would be best if you showed them how to do it on their toys using the proper technique. They will master the proper methods to do it and replicate the process when brushing their teeth.

  • Use correct tools

Kids will enjoy brushing their teeth if you use the correct kids’ brush and kids’ toothpaste. There will be less struggle if they use A toothbrush that is easy to handle and maneuver and a tooth that tastes good for them. You can allow them to use a toothbrush with a timer to alert them whenever they brush for 2 minutes.

Bottom line

Establishing routine oral care for your kids should not be a problem for you as a parent. When your kids develop their teeth, it’s essential to have regular visits to the dentist for them to have good dental hygiene. Contact us at Briargate Dental to book an appointment or get help in creating oral care for your child.