Maintaining good oral health is equally important for children as well as adults. Not only does it help avoid tooth decay and gum diseases but also impact your overall well-being. That is why it is recommended that everyone must brush their teeth twice a day – in the morning and before going to bed at night.
However, developing a habit of brushing twice a day daily in children is not easy, but a little creativity can go a long way to improve their dental health. So, parents must help their kids learn how to brush properly and take care of their oral health every day.
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How to make brushing fun for your kids?
In order to develop good oral care habits in kids, as a parent, you should start to teach your kids to brush their teeth at an early stage. Once you have established a good brushing routine, it becomes easier to teach your kids the importance of good oral health.
However, it can be difficult, especially for new parents, to demonstrate how to properly brush their teeth to kids. So, if you are also wondering how to teach your kids brushing techniques, follow the following tips:
- Hold the toothpaste against the gum line at a 45-degree angle.
- Gently move the toothbrush back and forth in small strokes.
- Turn your toothbrush vertically and brush in vertical strokes to clean the inner surfaces of the teeth.
- Brush the gum line and tongue to get rid of bacteria from the surface.
Remember that when you teach your kids how to brush, make sure the brushing session is fun, not a burden. In order to make the learning process easier and more interesting, you can sing a song, play a children’s tooth brushing video or anything that your kids enjoy. Also, you need to have patience while teaching your kids how to brush.
You can tell your children a story about how important it is to brush their teeth twice a day. Change the toothpaste in case your child doesn’t like its taste. In addition, you can reward your child every time they properly clean their teeth.
When to begin brushing your child’s teeth?
A kids dentist in Edmonton suggests you should start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth erupts. Usually, it starts at the age of six months. You can take a soft wet cloth, dip it into warm water and clean the surface of your child’s teeth and gums at least twice a day.
While you may wonder why you should struggle to clean the baby teeth as they are going to be replaced soon with permanent teeth, baby teeth guide the permanent teeth into position. So, it is vital to take care of them right from the beginning.
However, make sure you choose a soft toothbrush that is specially designed for babies. Also, remember not to use fluoride-based toothpaste until your baby turns 18 months old. You can use a pea-sized toothpaste after 18 months and until the age of six.
The bottom line
It is necessary to teach your kids how to brush properly to maintain their oral health for a long time. Developing a habit of brushing at an early stage can make it easier for parents to teach their children the importance of brushing.
However, it is recommended to have an oral health check by the time your child turns two. This can help avoid dental cavities and other dental issues. So, make sure you schedule a dental appointment with an experienced kids dentist in Edmonton to keep your child’s oral health in check.
