Getting a child to brush their teeth can feel like a battle you have to fight twice a day. But making oral hygiene part of their routine from an early age can help protect their teeth and build habits that last.
Also see: Teething troubles: Tips to soothe your baby
Baby teeth may eventually fall out, but that doesn’t mean they can be ignored. Poor brushing can contribute to tooth decay, pain and difficulty eating or speaking. It can also affect the eruption of permanent teeth.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions among children, affecting around one in five children aged five to 11.
Turn brushing into playtime
For toddlers, a toothbrush can feel like an unwanted interruption. One way to make it less of a struggle is to give them something else to focus on.
Let them hold a toy while you brush, sing a favourite nursery rhyme or make up a story. You could even turn brushing into an imaginary trip to the zoo by asking your child to open their mouth like a lion or stick out their tongue like a lizard, suggest The Orthodontists.
Let them get involved
Children can learn through play, so give them opportunities to become familiar with their toothbrush.
Under supervision, allow your child to handle a second toothbrush before or after brushing. You can also take turns, letting them “brush” your teeth before you clean theirs.
A mirror can also help. Seeing their teeth while they’re being brushed may make the experience feel less unfamiliar.
Also see: Tips on whitening naturally yellow teeth
Make two minutes feel shorter
Getting children to brush for the recommended two minutes can be tricky. A timer or age-appropriate brushing app can turn those two minutes into a small challenge rather than a chore.
Books, videos and children’s characters can also help explain why brushing matters in a way they understand.
Keep the routine going
There will be mornings and evenings when your child simply doesn’t want to cooperate. Consistency is still important.
Parents should assist young children with brushing until they are confident that they can clean their teeth properly on their own. Regular dental visits can also help, as dental professionals can demonstrate brushing techniques and reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene.
Also see: Managing your baby’s teething journey: What you need to know
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