How To Get Your Child to Brush and Floss Their Teeth

Getting into the habit of brushing and flossing regularly is a challenge for anyone, but even more so for kids! As a parent, you have to teach your children how to take care of their teeth properly and that they need to do it each day. So, just how can you make sure your little ones will stick with it? Here are a few tips for getting your child to brush and floss their teeth.

1. Brush Up On Technique

Though you’ve probably been brushing your own teeth every day for most of your life, you still might want to brush up on proper brushing techniques. We tend to get lazy with tasks we do daily, so before you can teach your child how to brush their teeth, you should know yourself. Make sure you’re brushing all surfaces of each tooth from the gum line to the chewing surface and that you’re brushing for at least two minutes.

2. Get the Right Tools

Kids’ teeth are much smaller than adults’ teeth, so make sure you have the right brush for your child. Adult brushes are much too large to fit comfortably and reach every tooth. Don’t forget a good toothpaste, too; regular mint-flavored toothpaste for adults may not be tastebud friendly for your little one. Another great tool to try is a timer app or a toothbrush with a two-minute timer.

3. Brush For Them

At first, you’ll have to brush your kids’ teeth for them, especially if they are very young. In fact, you can start adjusting your child to the sensation of a toothbrush as soon as their first tooth pops up. Flossing can begin when there are two teeth next to each other. As you brush and floss, explain to your child what you’re doing and where you’re brushing. This early on, the goal is to get them used to brushing and flossing, even if they can’t do it themselves yet.

4. Demonstrate Proper Brushing

Once your child is old enough to try brushing themselves, you’ll want to demonstrate proper brushing on yourself. Then, as you clean your teeth, you can keep explaining what you’re doing and where you’re brushing.

5. Watch Tutorials

Another great way to get your kids to brush and floss properly is to watch tutorials for children on YouTube. There are lots of videos that are fun, entertaining and teach kids how to brush properly. Watch them together so you can answer any questions.

6. Brush Together

Once your child is ready to start brushing on their own, make it a habit to brush together. Making dental care a shared event will keep each of you accountable for clean teeth, and you can keep an eye on your kids to make sure they’re brushing properly.

Schedule an Appointment With Our Pediatric Dentists in Swampscott MA

Getting great dental care for kids doesn’t have to be hard. Whiting Dental Arts is an expert pediatric dentist that delivers professional and child-friendly dental services in Swampscott MA. Give us a call today at (781) 595-0596 for information or to make an appointment.