How to Keep Children Brushing Their Teeth

If you've ever tried brushing the teeth of a pit bull mixed with an octopus, you may know what it's like to get some children to brush their teeth. However, it's not something that you can avoid as a parent. You should teach good dental hygiene habits early and often.

Instructions

1. Start early. Brushing should become a becomes a set part of your children's routine. Teach them to brush as soon as they have the motor skills to handle the task. Even before your baby gets teeth, you can wipe down her gums with a clean washcloth or gauze. This removes any milk residue and accustoms your child to having things in her mouth and rubbing her gums.

2. Bring them to the dentist after all their teeth come in. A pediatric dentist is best, but any dentist who can explain dental hygiene in simple terms is okay. The more your child understands the importance of keeping their teeth healthy, the more cooperative they are likely to be.

3. Give your children some control. Allow your child to choose their toothbrushes and toothpaste from a variety of options that you provide. They will look forward to using the things that they had a hand in choosing. Give them the options of fun character toothbrushes and sparkly kid-friendly toothpaste, making sure the paste meets your child's fluoride needs and doesn't contain sugar. Don't give your child fluoride toothpaste until they can consistently spit the excess out. Swallowing toothpaste can cause staining on their developing permanent teeth. Until they are ready, usually between 2- and 3-years old, use non-fluoride starter toothpaste.

4. Set an example. Show them that everyone has to brush their teeth, even grownups. Kids like to model parents.

5. Allow them to brush their own teeth, either before or after you do a more thorough job for them. Make it fun. Sing a song or get a fun timer to make sure they are brushing their teeth long enough.

6. Be persistent. It may be a struggle, but you must follow through. The health of these early teeth and gums will affect their permanent teeth and overall health. Not brushing is not an option.