How to Teach Dental Care to Kindergartners

Brushing your teeth with your child can help teach her proper technique.

Teaching proper dental care to kindergarten children is important. The right lessons can teach them dental habits that will last a lifetime. Teach the children that dental care involves not only what they do, such as brushing and flossing, but also visiting their dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. If possible, have a dentist or dental hygienist visit the class to explain their roles in keeping teeth healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Soft toothbrush
• Fluoride-free or regular toothpaste

Instructions

1. Demonstrate proper dental care. Ask the school nurse to use a model of a mouth to illustrate correct technique to the class. Brush all sides of the teeth at a 45-degree angle, and don't forget the roof of the mouth and the tongue. Brush for at least three minutes. Tell the children to listen to one of their favorite songs while they brush, then listen to it again, so they brush for the correct time.

2. Show the amount of toothpaste that the children should be using by squeezing a pea-size amount on a toothbrush. Children can do this as well and have a small cup of water so they can practice brushing while the nurse is present. Then demonstrate flossing, gently guiding the floss along each side of each tooth, and have the children try to do the same. This will give the nurse the chance to gently correct any issues the children are having with their technique.

3. Tell the children to have their parents brush and floss their child's teeth after they are done. Although kindergarten-age children will want to brush their own teeth, they don't yet have the physical dexterity to do a good job on their own. The child should brush first so she can practice and improve her technique, then the parent should check when she is done and then brush her teeth to remove anything she missed.

4. Talk about foods and beverages that are good for teeth as well as ones that are not so good. Once a child understands that sugary foods are bad for his teeth and other foods, such as vegetables, are good for them, the parents can work on reducing the bad foods in his diet and adding the healthy ones. If he does eat or drink something sweet, have him drink water immediately afterward to rinse his mouth.

References

• Orthodontist Ottawa: How to Teach Your Children Good Dental Care Habits
• Nick Jr.: Basic Tooth Care for Preschoolers