3 Effective Tips to Help Your Child Brush Their Teeth

Brushing teeth may not be the easiest task to perform in your house. If you have a child who struggles to keep their teeth clean, but you’ve tried everything you can think of to keep them on track, you might feel as if they’re doomed to have a cavity-stricken smile for life. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case. A pediatric dentist is here to share three effective tips that are designed to help your child brush their teeth so that they can enjoy a healthy, cavity-free smile

Talk to Them About the Importance of Good Oral Hygiene

Whether they are old enough to floss or rinse, brushing is the first step toward a healthier smile. But even before they pick up their first toothbrush, it helps to talk to your child about the importance of good oral hygiene.

Speaking in a way that they can understand as well as showing them books, pictures, and videos of healthy smiles will help them to see what is required for teeth and gums to remain free of cavities and disease.

By explaining this to them at an early age, you’ll have a better chance of adopting good oral habits as they get older.

Be a Role Model by Showing Them How to Brush Properly

No matter your child’s age, showing them how to brush properly is one of the best ways to introduce them to the practice. Once they see you doing it regularly, they, too, will want to follow in your footsteps.

Depending on their age, you may need to modify the process, but moving the brush in circular motions and using a timer that lasts a full two minutes are great places to start. Not to mention, you can make toothbrushing fun by adding music or turning it into a game – talk about keeping their attention!

Help Them Establish a Routine

While this may not be directly associated with how to brush their teeth, it does ensure that they do it. Let your child know that they need to brush their teeth when they wake up and before they go to bed. These are the two times throughout the day that dentists prefer that children brush their teeth.

Getting rid of accumulated bacteria and plaque first thing in the morning will ensure that their teeth remain protected by fluoride toothpaste throughout the day. Brushing away anything that has built up on their teeth before going to bed at night will reduce the amount of bad bacteria that rests on their teeth while they’re asleep.

Give your child a chance to feel good about their smile year-round. By incorporating these tips, you’ll discover that they not only begin to brush regularly but have fun doing it too!

About the Author
Dr. Maggie Davis earned her undergraduate degree, her Doctor of Dental Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida. As the chief pediatric resident, she graduated fourth in her class. As a board-certified pediatric dentist and diplomate in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she is dedicated to the field and continues to pursue continuing education to expand her skills. She and Dr. Lorielle Alter lead a team of professional hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff, all of whom are available to offer guidance when it comes to engaging young children and expressing the importance of good oral hygiene at home. If you need help to get your little one excited about brushing, flossing, and rinsing, call our office at (727) 786-7551 or visit our website.