Tips for Kids Brushing
Portland, OR
 You already know just how important brushing your teeth is. You try to stress the importance to your child. It can, however, be a daily struggle to get your child to brush, and to do so properly. Your child might rush through the motions to get back to something more fun. They might put up an argument or evade you as best as they can. At Sylvan Heights Dental, we are here to help make the process of brushing easier with brushing tips for your kids.
Take Your Child Shopping
Toothbrushes for kids are designed with children in mind. There are all kinds of bright colors and fun characters. They are made to entice children to want to use them. Just because you know what your child likes, however, that does not mean your child will use it. Instead, let your child pick their toothbrush. Just make sure that the toothbrush has a small head and soft bristles. The freedom of choosing their very own toothbrush can help your child want to use it.
Listen to Music or Sing
Your child should brush for two full minutes. This can seem like an eternity to a kid though. Play music as your child brushes or sing a song. There are plenty of lyrics available about brushing that are made to be sung to tunes your child most likely already knows. There are also apps available on smart devices that can play music for two minutes, allowing the time spent brushing to pass more easily.
Read Books about Brushing
Books for kids teach all kinds of lessons. There are many books that are devoted to the importance of brushing. Stories are easy to follow and have relatable characters. Read one of these books to your child before it is time to brush to help get them excited.
Make it Fun
Make brushing a game. Pit your children against one another to see who can do the best job at brushing, or compete against your child yourself. You can also tell a story while your child brushes. Make up a story about how the toothbrush and your child are heroes fighting against the evil plaque and bacteria. Another idea is to encourage your child to brush to make sure they eliminate all of the sugar bugs in their mouth, with you checking their teeth to make sure they have cleaned every area.
Turn it into a Family Affair
It can be boring to brush alone. Instead, why not brush your teeth with your child? This will enable you to show your child the proper way to brush their teeth. They can watch you and mimic what you do. Let your child use your toothbrush to brush your teeth and then you can check their teeth over as you help them to brush. At the same time, the extra brushing sessions will not hurt you and can help to improve your oral hygiene in the process.
Helping your child to develop good brushing habits in their early years helps to maintain a healthy mouth well into their adult years. For more information, and additional tips, call Sylvan Heights Dental today at (503) 297-1471 and our team will be more than happy to help.
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