Brushing your teeth becomes second nature when you are an adult, but we all had to start somewhere: Children need the guidance of their parents to learn the proper way to brush. It’s important to teach your kids how to brush their teeth, so they establish healthy oral hygiene habits from an early age. The best way to teach kids to brush their teeth? Make it fun, help them master the basics, and stay consistent with their new routine.
Fun, Kid-Friendly Supplies
Your children might be more excited about brushing their teeth if you introduce the new routine with a fun outing to the store to pick out their very own toothbrush. Let your child have a special “treat” by selecting a colorful, kid-friendly toothbrush they love. Be sure to choose a fluoride toothpaste that doesn’t have too strong a flavor so kids can tolerate the taste.
The Basics of Teeth Brushing
Tooth brushing is one of the best forms of preventive dentistry — and it’s easy! Teach your children the basic steps of teeth brushing and repeat these steps each morning and night until they’re well-practiced and learned:
1. Brush front surfaces of teeth: Using back-and-forth strokes, brush the outer surfaces of bottom and top teeth.
2. Brush inside surfaces of teeth: Using the same back-and-forth motion, brush the inner surfaces of teeth for both top and bottom. Show your child how they can turn the brush downward and switch to up and down strokes.
3. Brush chewing surfaces of teeth: Move back and forth across the chewing surfaces on both top and bottom arches. Make sure your child reaches to the far back of the mouth to reach those spots most susceptible to decay.
4. Brush the tongue: Have fun with this part as you open your mouth and stick out your tongue for a good scrubbing.
Lead By Example
Brush your own teeth alongside your children, so they can witness you leading by example. They’ll not only learn from watching how you brush your teeth, but they’ll also enjoy spending time with you and sharing a new twice-daily ritual. Brushing with your kids also ensures they stay consistent with the new habit.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
