How to Help Your Kids Care for Their Teeth

Help your children to avoid tooth decay by heeding these guidelines, which follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Child-sized Toothbrushes With Soft Bristles
• Dental Floss
• Electric Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Toothpaste
• Mouth Protectors
• Stickers

1. Take your children to the dentist regularly, starting at age one.

2. Get your kids into the habit of brushing twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

3. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper flossing procedure to your child.

4. Talk to your dentist about the use of sealants, which can be painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth for protection against plaque.

5. Have your children wear mouth protectors to protect against injuries while they play rough sports.

6. Avoid giving your kids sugary or starchy snacks, which can lead to plaque buildup and eventually tooth decay.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your children soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrushes.
• Replace a child's toothbrush every four months.

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on 11/22/2005 Aside from never letting them skip a brushing, I finally got my 3 1/2 year old enthusiastic by showing him the part in Aladdin 3 with the thief singing "...you never have to brush your teeth!" while he grins through rotting brown stumps. We discussed it humorously, watched it, zoomed in on the teeth in slow-motion, and both of us went "Eeeoooo!" You could see the light bulb go on when I told him: "That's what happens when you don't brush your teeth." Every night we giggle together, and sing "You never have to brush your teeth!" before he thoroughly brushes his. :)