Tips for Teaching Children To Brush Their Teeth
Teaching children anything can be a difficult task. But, teaching them how to brush and floss their teeth properly is an important part of making sure they stay healthy. It's important to teach the proper dental care for children early on.
Luckily, it's never too late (or too early) to start teaching your kids proper oral hygiene. If you're struggling through brushing battles with your kids, then read on.
This guide will explore all the ways for teaching children how to care for their pearly whites.
When Should Kids Start Brushing?
Taking care of your child's oral hygiene should begin as soon as a few days after birth. After feeding, you should use a clean, wet cloth to gently wipe your child's gums.
Once you see their first tooth springing up, it's time to start brushing. You should keep brushing their teeth until they, and you, feel confident enough to let them do it on their own.
Every child learns to brush at their own pace. However, most will be able to brush their own teeth by preschool. You should continue to monitor them in the early stages to ensure they're doing everything correctly.
Teaching Children the Best Dental Care
Teaching children to brush their teeth can be simpler than you may think. Some dental care tips for children include:
1. Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste
According to the ADA, children under 3 should be using a rice-sized amount of toothpaste. After age 3, you can move up to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. They should continue using this amount of toothpaste for the rest of their life.
2. Hold the Toothbrush at a 45-Degree Angle
In order to get the proper cleaning, the toothbrush should face more toward the gumline of the upper and lower jaw. Too much pressure on the tooth itself can result in scraping.
3. Gently Brush with Proper-Sized Strokes
To brush properly, you should move the toothbrush back and forth gently. Use short, tooth-sized strokes. You should use this proper technique on any chewing surface of the tooth, front or back.
4. Hold the Toothbrush Vertically
When brushing your child's front teeth, you should hold the toothbrush vertically to get a good clean. You need to be sure to clean both the front and the back of your child's teeth.
5. Brush the Whole Mouth
The teeth aren't the only surface you need to clean. You should make sure your child's tongue and cheeks are brushed, as well. This helps remove bacteria and ward off oral disease.
Teaching Kids to Brush Has Never Been Easier!
Teaching children proper oral hygiene helps to set them up to lead healthier lives. And now you know the essential tips for how to teach them the right habits.
To learn more parenting tips, check out our Child Development and Parenting section. Here, we have the articles you need to set your kids up for happy, successful lives.
