Debbie As a kid, you likely hated the dentist; you’re not alone! Nearly 75% of adults now have anxiety about going to the dentist that started in their childhood.
However, as a parent, you know how important going to the dentist is. Thus, you understand how essential dental hygiene is for your child! It can be tricky to help your child get the hang of their toothbrush, but you’re in luck.
If you’re unsure how to teach your child how to brush their teeth, keep reading for a first-time parent guide to keeping your kid’s oral health in great shape.
Communicate the Importance
Before you hand your child a toothbrush and send them to the sink, you’ll want to have a conversation about why brushing their teeth is crucial. You already know this, but your child doesn’t.
Communicating helps them understand why they need to do this. If you tell your child, “Because I said so,” they’re less likely to want to do it. Children are smart and capable of understanding.
However, you don’t want to weaponize or threaten your child with going to the dentist. While the dentist is a consequence of improper brushing, you don’t want your child to be afraid, so finding more info about pediatric dentistry is crucial to ensuring your child doesn’t fear the dentist.
Give Them Choices
Next, you’ll want to give them choices and autonomy with brushing. This includes letting them pick out a toothbrush and toothpaste, as they’ll feel excited and in control over their oral health.
Many toothbrushes for children are smaller so their hands can get a better grip, and the head of the brush has softer bristles for their teeth.
They make a variety of fun and colorful toothbrushes with your child’s favorite characters to make brushing fun. Also, you can I’ve your child a choice when it comes to the flavor of their toothpaste.
Break Brushing Down Into Step
Finally, you’ll want to break brushing down into simple steps to help your child get the hang of it. This makes the task more manageable and easier for your child to understand.
You’ll want to start by having your child turn the water on, put a small amount of toothpaste on the bristles, and finally begin brushing. Then, you can have your child brush in sections, such as the outside of their back teeth, the inside of their back teeth, and so on.
The Importance of Teaching Kids How to Brush Teeth
Though it can be tricky to teach your child to brush their teeth, healthy teeth are essential to their development. Remember, kids learn from example, so make sure you take your teeth seriously.
Don’t forget to teach your child the importance of flossing! Floss can promote healthy gums and ensure they avoid cavities and other issues.
If you found this guide to teaching your child how to brush helpful, you’ll want to visit the rest of our website. There, you can find more great health tips and tricks.
