About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have lost teeth. Dental hygiene for children should start as soon as the first teeth appear. You will save your kids from the dreadful experience of wisdom tooth dentist Melbourne and other gum diseases.
Easier said than done, right? Dental hygiene is a children’s fight. Most kids are afraid to brush their teeth, because you never understand. They probably don’t like the taste of fluoride in their mouth.
However, you need to persevere in establishing regular dental care for your children. Here are a few tips to teach your child the importance of brushing
1. Brush Together
Children love to imitate elders. If you are wondering how children brush their teeth, for example draw a picture. Make a habit of brushing your teeth together. Brushing with family will be fun. They will be eager to brush their teeth because of the positive reinforcement. Resist the urge to force your kids to brush their teeth. Let them keep an eye on the elders and teach them about wisdom tooth dentist Melbourne.
2. A Special Toothbrush and toothpaste
Having a special toothbrush is one such tool that will make it easier for kids to learn to brush their teeth. You may go for new purchases together. Chances are your child will choose a coloured toothbrush. Cartoon themed brushes will also be preferred. The idea of using a Mickey Mouse toothbrush will get kids hooked on the activity. At that point, make sure the bristles are soft enough. You don’t want to get a toothbrush that will damage your baby’s gums.
You have many options when it comes to children’s toothpaste. Brushing techniques for children should include fresh toothpaste. The packaging should be attractive enough for the child. Choose a toothpaste that has a theme that your child likes. You can also go for fun flavours like strawberry or vanilla.
If your child is under the age of three, use a training toothpaste. Children swallow it at such a young age. Fluoride-free toothpaste is safer at this stage.
3. Tell an Interesting Story
Children are afraid of the dentist. They can add pain or discomfort to the dentist. However, improper dental care will lead you to visit the dentist regularly to treat the discomfort. You can have a toothbrush for the kids to enjoy so it becomes a daily routine. Tell an exciting story that will break them.
With a toothbrush on hand, you can pass it over your child’s teeth as you make train noises. Ask them to pick up the train from the other side of their teeth. Appreciate them for clearing their tongue, which in this case is a train station.
The story of the fictional Chinese insects also works like magic. Tell your kids that they can defeat these insects using only a toothbrush and toothpaste. Children will look forward to the heroic experience of fighting these “insects”.
4. Rewards them
Brushing your teeth regularly is very beneficial. Yet kids want something they can see and relate to an enjoyable activity. Adopt a reward system that will encourage your kids to brush their teeth. Place a decorative poster representing good oral health. Your child can put stickers on the poster to show his teeth brushing days.
You can give them a toy or a big congratulatory gift as they fill up the posters all day. The reward system may establish discipline from time to time. In the long run, kids will learn the importance of brushing their teeth, and they won’t need rewards to enjoy the activity.
5. Use Music
Teaching kids to brush their teeth while listening to their favourite songs can be fun. They can dance together while brushing. You can join in the dance to make your kids more fun.
Your children should brush their teeth for two minutes. With a catchy song, your kids won’t even know they’re brushing their teeth. Get to make the song more relevant with a dental theme. If you can’t find similar songs, create one. The result will be perfect for creativity.
Final thoughts
Children avoid brushing their teeth for many reasons. But as a parent, you shouldn’t let them focus only on dental care. The idea of dealing with cavities isn’t impressive.
Teaching children to brush their teeth should be a priority. Make it fun so they can accept the activity. However, your children should know that brushing their teeth is a daily routine, not a substitute.
