Tips for Brushing As a parent, you want the best for your child. This includes helping them to develop healthy habits, including good oral hygiene habits. You also know how difficult it can be to get your child to brush. Your child may try to rush through brushing to get back to a game. They may fight you every step of the way to the bathroom sink. Brushing does not have to be a struggle. There are ways that you can help your child to develop good oral hygiene habits without having the daily struggle. Sunnyside Dentistry can help.Picking the Right ToolsWhen you pick out a new toothbrush, there is a good chance that you do not pay much attention to anything else other than making sure the brush has soft bristles. When you look at the oral care products for kids, though, you are greeted with bright colors and cartoon characters. These toothbrushes are designed to catch the attention of kids and make them more fun. Even if you know what color your child likes, or who their favorite cartoon character is, let them pick their toothbrush. Giving them the freedom to choose will help to make them more likely to use it. Brush with Your ChildBrushing can be boring. Rather than making your child brush alone, brush with them. Show your child the proper technique. You can even let them practice on your teeth before they brush theirs. Watch them as they brush and help them when they are finished to clean any spots they might have missed. Not only will it be more fun for your child to brush with you, but the additional brushing sessions can also help to improve your oral health, too. Read Books About BrushingBooks for kids are designed to help to introduce your child to a wide variety of different subjects. There are books about manners, making friends, going to the doctor, and even brushing teeth. These books are all made with easy to follow stories and bright pictures. Before your child brushes their teeth, take some time to read a book to help get them motivated. Play MusicYour child needs to brush for two full minutes, just like you. Two minutes can feel like an eternity for a kid. You can make the time pass faster with some music. There are apps available for download on your smart devices that will play music only for two minutes. You can also look up lyrics for songs about brushing online. Many of these songs are sung to tunes your child most likely already knows. Make Brushing an AdventureTurn to brush into an adventure. Your child can be a superhero. With their trusty sidekick, their toothbrush, they can fight against the evil plaque and bacteria, saving their teeth from decay and cavities. Making brushing more of an adventure can make a mundane habit much more exciting. Working with your child can help them to develop good oral hygiene habits that will ensure a lifetime of good oral health. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Sunnyside Dentistry at (503) 451-5104 today. |
