Teaching your children the importance of dental health and hygiene at a young age typically goes a long way. But children are not easy to work with and getting them to brush their teeth on a daily basis is a task every parent struggles with.
At Viteralli Dental, Saddle River, we specialize in working with kids. This is why we have developed this comprehensive guide to help parents understand the importance of oral hygiene for children as well as how they can get their kids to brush their teeth regularly.
Set An Example For Your Child
- Parents are the biggest role model for their children. You may have already noticed that your children tend to copy every move you make. They mimic the way you talk, the way you walk, and the habits you have.
Since children follow parents, it is important for you to set a good example for them. Brush your teeth every day in front of your children to give them the idea that this is an important part of their and your life. This is easily the best way to help your child start brushing their teeth regularly and make them understand that this is a part of their daily routine.
- If you still struggle with getting your children to follow in your footsteps, we recommend making the activity fun. Why not try and sing a song when you brush your teeth or reserve a special kind of fun activity along with brushing. Any activity that creates a sense of fun will likely attract the children and they may feel excited to brush their teeth.
Don’t Worry About Using a Toothpaste
- As it turns out, most kids don’t like brushing their teeth due to toothpaste. Maybe they don’t like the taste, or maybe they just don’t feel comfortable with it. Your aim should be to help them learn about brushing their teeth and that can be done without the use of toothpaste initially.
Just get them to pick the toothbrush and use it every morning and then slowly introduce the toothpaste. The brushing won’t be as effective but they will gradually learn how to brush their teeth.
Get Your Family Involved
- As we mentioned earlier, parents are the greatest role models a child can follow. Instead of helping your child learn how to brush their teeth on their own, get other members of the family involved. Make it a family activity by inviting everyone in the household to brush their teeth in the morning.
You have to start doing this when your child is too young to brush their own teeth. To set an example, try brushing your partner’s teeth so it is easy for the child to accept you brushing their teeth.
Don’t Get Frustrated
- If things don’t work out the way you intended them to, don’t let frustration get the best of you. Some children are hard to work with but if you keep trying and set a positive note, they will eventually start brushing their teeth on their own.
Don’t punish them for not following you, just make sure you are consistent with them and keep on trying until they finally follow you.
For more information on dental health for toddlers and kids over the age of 7, book an appointment with Viteralli Dental today.