Oral hygiene is important at any age. When you encourage your child to brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day, they learn good dental habits for life. These tips will help you teach your little one how to enjoy keeping their teeth clean.
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The Importance of Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Teaching children to brush keeps baby teeth healthy and promotes good oral hygiene early in life. Your child needs baby teeth to speak and chew properly. Baby teeth also help to ensure permanent teeth form and erupt correctly. When a child loses a baby tooth too early, the remaining teeth might move into the space left behind. As a result, the permanent teeth can emerge crooked or crowded.
Starting the habit of dental hygiene as early as possible prevents tooth decay, allowing the mouth and jaws to form properly. You can begin to clean your child’s mouth immediately after they develop teeth. Getting your toddler to brush their teeth when they become able teaches them the importance of dental care. When you make brushing teeth fun for them, you promote good habits for life.
When Can Children Brush Their Own Teeth
It takes about the same level of dexterity to brush your teeth as it does to tie your shoes. When children can tie their shoes with confidence, they are probably ready to take over brushing their own teeth (with supervision).
Get a Toothbrush to Make Brushing Teeth Fun
You can infuse fun into your child’s dental hygiene routine even as you buy their toothbrush. Children’s brushes come in a variety of bright colors and familiar characters. Bring your little one with you and let them choose the options they like. When they enjoy their toothbrush, they can have more fun brushing.
Certain toothbrushes will promote dental health better than others. When purchasing a toothbrush for your child, look for options with rounded, soft bristles. Hard bristles can damage the gums. Remember to replace the toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles become bent or worn down. Once you follow these guidelines, you and your child can find a fun option that works well.
How to Teach Kids to Brush Their Teeth in a Fun Way
Now that you have a fun toothbrush, it’s time to use it. To create a positive association with dental hygiene, try these brushing activities:
- Encourage them to help others brush their teeth: Let your child brush their favorite toy’s teeth or your teeth to show them the importance of dental hygiene.
- Offer positive reinforcement: Cheer your little one on when they practice good oral hygiene or create a reward chart.
- Turn brushing into a party: Play your kid’s favorite two-minute song instead of using a timer. Encourage them to dance and brush their teeth to the beat.
Visit Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Premium Dental Care
Your child deserves compassionate and skilled dental care. At Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Forgosh applies experience from prestigious practices to serve patients around Allentown, PA. He has a gentle approach to working with his patients, making people of all ages feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. To see the quality of care at Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, schedule an appointment with Dr. Forgosh today.
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