Around 23 percent of five-year-olds have had dental decay, which shows how few children know how to properly brush their teeth.
Teaching kids to look after their
smile prevents cavities, encourages independence, and teaches them life-long
habits. But getting kids interested in oral hygiene is difficult so it's
important to have several tricks up your sleeve. Perhaps you're currently
struggling with this and you want to teach your kids the importance of good
oral health.
Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve
come to the right place. Here are five tips on teaching your little one the
importance of brushing.
Let
Your Kid Choose The Supplies
A creative way to teach your kid
about regular brushing is to let them choose supplies. You could choose a
kid-friendly oral kit complete with floss, a miniature bottle of mouthwash, and
a colorful toothbrush. If your little one isn't interested, then let them
choose a brush that features their favorite superhero or cartoon character.
Teach
Them To Hold A Brush
An essential part of good oral
hygiene is knowing how to hold a toothbrush. This should be placed against the
teeth at a 45-degree angle, keeping the bristles on the gumline. Help your
little one move the toothbrush and make sure the brush so covers the tooth’s
entire surface area.
Don’t worry if your child struggles
to begin with, simply practice together every morning and evening until they’re
confident.
Make
It Part Of Their Daily Routine
Maintaining your kid’s oral hygiene
is a life-long process, so emphasize the importance of brushing their teeth
every day.
If you’re struggling to motivate
your child, link brushing-teeth time with another part of their routine. For
instance, ask your little one to dress into their pajamas beforehand so they
understand it’s part of their nighttime routine.
Visit
The Dentist
The best way to maintain your
child’s oral health is by visiting the dentist twice a year. If you prolong a
professional cleaning, then your little one will be afraid to go, especially if
you’re hesitant yourself.
To avoid this, make an appointment
early on to familiarize your child with it. You could also bring your kid along
so they realize that dentists aren’t anything to be afraid of. If you want to
find a reliable dentist, then check out the link: http://solanabeachdentistry.com/.
Reward
Your Little One
Practicing good oral hygiene is
hard work so reward your child when they've made progress. For instance, create
a table every day of the week. Then, when they've completed a successful
brushing day, your little one can add a gold star to
celebrate.
Know
The Importance Of Brushing For Kids
Hopefully, you now understand the
importance of brushing for kids.
Start by letting your child choose
supplies, teach your kid to hold the brush, and take regular trips to the
dentist. You should also make it part of their daily routine and reward your
child after a successful brush. Good luck!
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