How to brush your teeth for kids. Your pediatrician may have told you that as soon as your baby’s teeth start showing, you should start washing them with a soft, wet washcloth. When kids are small they rarely put up much of the fuss whenever you do this. However, as they get older there is a greater will need for more dental care for the emerging baby teeth.
As the child gets more and more teeth, there will come a time when brushing them with a soft toothbrush is necessary. Parents can often do this themselves several times a day, using non-fluoride toothpaste like Baby OraGel, which is created for toddlers.
Only a small amount of toothpaste should be used on toddlers because most of them cannot yet spit the excess out and end up swallowing it. If fluoride toothpaste is used, the child could end up with stained teeth.
How to brush your teeth for kids
Parents have a difficult time trying to gauge how well their child’s teeth are being cleaned when their kids start to get older. Several children want to do the entire process themselves, as they are becoming more and more independent. However, some of these children aren’t mature enough to handle their dental care without supervision and may even lie about how often they brush their teeth.
Kids can be tricky and may try to fool their parents into thinking they’ve brushed their teeth when they actually have not. So, parents should monitor their child’s teeth or creation a “check out” where the child must show the parent their mouth after brushing.
If you have kids who are just starting to brush their own teeth, you can use these tips to help them get excited about this important task.
Brush Your Teeth Together
It’s a great idea to have your child brush their teeth at the same time you do. Standing together and brushing is a fun times way to create family memories and to ensure your child is brushing properly and long enough. You are able to even set some music to play and create rules stating you can’t quit brushing until the song is over.
Give The Child Ownership
Allowing a child to feel in control or to feel ownership of the task is very important for self esteem growth and compliance with important tasks. So, allow your child to feel a part of the teeth brushing routine by letting them choose their own toothbrush. The only input you’ll need to give is to make certain the brush bristles are soft and it’s the right size for your child.
Do not Criticize Too Quickly
It may take your child a while to be able to properly brush their teeth without help. After that you should teach them how to prevent gum disease? So, be sure you give them a chance to hone their skills. Offer them easy tips and calm pointers without being critical. If you are too harsh they may not want to do the task at all, which will only make your life more difficult.