Last updated on November 22nd, 2023 at 07:39 am
How do you get your kids to brush their teeth properly? Make it fun of course? Here are some Twiniversity Tips on getting your children to enjoy lifelong dental health!
Start “Brushing” Early
Baby’s teeth are just as important to keep clean as yours. Although they don’t have too many at first, their little tooth buds are sensitive and should always be kept clean. The earlier you start “brushing” your children’s teeth, the more familiar they become with having it as a part of their regular routine. It’s important for your kids to understand the importance of dental health. Years to come, it can make a big difference with the whiteness of their teeth, and the health of their gums and enamel.
Use Infant Friendly Products
Having the correct size and type of teeth cleaning products for your kiddos is extremely important. There are several varieties of baby friendly toothpastes and tooth cleaners. Mam makes a teeth cleaning cloth (picture to the right) that will knock your socks off. Not only is it practical, but it’s cute too. Once your baby progresses and starts to use a toothbrush, make sure that you ONLY use fluoride free toothpaste. Baby Orajel Flouride-Free Toothpaste is a great one to start off with. This product is safe to swallow, fluoride-free and has a taste that will appeal to you child.
Teach Em How to Brush!
The first thing you should teach em is brush placement. Make sure they are holding the brush correctly. The bristles should be facing the teeth and gums of course. This may seem obvious to us, but for the little ones in your life, this brushing thing is a whole new ballgame. Next, teach them that the proper amount of toothpaste is to use the size of a pea. When they are beginning, you should apply the toothpaste and have them begin to brush their teeth softly, in a circular motions and up and down. The main objective is to hit all of the tough spots, like the teeth in the back and in the corners. Once you have brushed, begin rinsing and rinse a few times, very thoroughly.
Make It Fun With a Song or a Toothbrush They Like
Many companies have created toothbrushes that are fun to use, have characters from television shows, fairy tales, and movies. One way to get the kids to enjoy brushing is to have them sing a song that they enjoy. Perhaps a nursery rhyme or a simple song like “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. It could get them more interested as well as make sure they brush for the correct time.
Keep Checking!
Offer help to your kids and supervise them even once they get older. Many parents have their kiddos come for “inspection” to make sure they got all of their teeth when they are done. When children have a goal and know they will be getting checked, it could give them a higher initiative to do a good job with it the first time. If they didn’t do as well as you expected, don’t hesitate to send them back to the sink for another round of brushing!
After following these tips, your children will have success with brushing their teeth. Remember, children should visit the dentist TWICE a year. Most insurance companies cover pediatric dental visits even if they don’t cover yours, so call your company today and check.
Happy Brushing!
