Tips to encourage your child to brush regularly!

Do you struggle getting your child to brush his/her teeth?

When they finally pick up the toothbrush are they brushing correctly and for the recommended time of two minutes?

Are you looking for ideas to help make the process easier and more fun for them and less stressful?

Periodontal disease is becoming more common in children.  In fact over 75% of the American population has some form of the disease.  What’s worse is that periodontal disease is also being linked to more fatal diseases like stroke, cancer, and heart disease.  The first step to decreasing your chance of periodontal disease is good oral hygiene. 

We’ve shared some tips below that may make the routine of getting your kids to brush more enjoyable. 

Little Individuals

• Kids enjoy having some ownership with making choices.  Allow them to pick out an age-appropriate toothbrush.  There are a variety of toothbrushes available that have characters, lights, music and special designs.  You may want to consider getting an electronic spin brush.  A lot of kids enjoy the vibration as it tickles their teeth and gums.

• Also consider letting them choose their own flavor of kid’s toothpaste! 

• Designate a special cup or disposable cups just for them to rinse with. 

• Use charts and reward stickers that highlight their favorite character, sport or hobby. 

Use Your Imagination

• Remind children to brush in a circular motion by comparing brushing to wheels from a “choo choo” train or a car.  This may keep them from brushing back and forth, which can irritate or damage gums.   

• Tell a story or read them a book to explain how sugar makes holes in teeth.  If they need more visual evidence that they aren’t brushing enough, show them the “Pink!” by having them chew a tablet made from a dissolving agent that clings to plaque.  These tablets are available at most pharmacies!

• Encourage them to make a lot of bubbles and foam when they brush.  You could brush your teeth beside them and have a contest to see who can make the biggest or most bubbles. 

• Make an imaginary game out of brushing.  For example, the toothbrush could be a super hero, their toothpaste their special power agent, and they could pretend that they’re waging a battle against monster germs and evil cavities. 

Timing is Everything

• Try using an egg timer to ensure they are brushing the appropriate amount of time.  There are numerous designs to choose from, including frogs, cows and Disney characters. 

• Sing or play a special song while they brush, and insist that they keep brushing to hear the whole song.  There are also toothbrushes designed to play music or light up while brushing. 

All Together Now

• Most children want to be like Mom or Dad.  The simple act of brushing your teeth correctly in their company can inspire them to brush, too.  You may want to comment on how fresh and smooth your teeth feel afterward. 

• Try to make brushing a routine.  Have the whole family brush together after dinner or after their last snack before bed.  It may be helpful to do this at least an hour before bed time before everyone is too tired. 

• Another fun activity is to allow your child to brush your teeth while you brush theirs.  They may not do much with your brush but it may distract them while you’re brushing theirs.  There’s bound to be lots of giggles! 

• Allow them to have their favorite stuffed animal with them when they brush.  Get a special brush for them to brush their toy’s teeth. 

Most importantly, remember to praise them when they remember to brush correctly or on their own. 

Have you found a technique that gets your child to brush properly?  Please share it with us below.  

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare or preschool in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor or the surrounding area? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.  
 
http://preschooldaycareypsilanti.com/

It's never too early to begin brushing your child's teeth!

Are you unsure when to begin brushing your child’s teeth?

Are you worried about your toddler getting cavities?

It’s never too early to begin proper oral care!

Baby Teeth Are Important
It’s important to start teaching children about proper dental care and nutrition as soon as their teeth start coming in.  Baby teeth are important because they hold the place for where the permanent teeth are to grow.  If your child loses a baby tooth too early it can affect the development of the permanent tooth.  It can also affect your child’s bite and his or her speech.  

Formula, breast milk, and juices all contain sugar and lead to tooth decay which can result in pain, infection and tooth loss.  Clean your infant’s gums twice a day with a wet washcloth.  This will get them comfortable with the act of cleaning their mouth and make the transition to brushing easier. 

7 Tips for Cavity Prevention in Toddlers
1.  Try to avoid giving toddlers extra sugary or starchy snacks such as crackers.  How can you tell if it’s too starchy?  If the food is still visible in their teeth after twenty minutes it would be wise to eliminate. 

2.  Also avoid giving them chewable vitamins that list sugar as their first ingredient. 

3.  If your child takes a bottle to bed it should only be filled with water. 

4.  Try to wean them from using a bottle, the breast, and a pacifier by the age of one. 

5.  Use a spill-proof or sippy cup as a transition to a regular cup, not a long-term solution.  Only allow your child to use a sippy cup filled with water throughout the day.  Save other drinks for snack and meal time when their saliva activity helps clean their teeth. 

6.  Sugary drinks, like juices should be sipped through a straw. 

7.  At the age of two you can begin using a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the bristles of a toddler brush.  Concentrate on the back molars that are more prone to decay.  By the age of five your child should be able to brush on their own.

The Best Way to Get Your Kids to Brush...

Is to model the behavior yourself!  Demonstrate proper oral care, including flossing, dental visits, and nutrition to show your kids that their teeth are important.  If they witness you practicing what you preach they are likely to do the same. 
 
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