Kid-Tested, Dentist-Approved: 6 Teeth Cleaning Tips from Dentist Parents
Being a parent, you may have more in common with your dentist than you imagine. Many parents, even dentists, struggle to keep their children’s mouths and teeth clean. To keep your family’s teeth strong and healthy, try some of the tricks of the trade from dentist moms and dads:
Establish a Fun Family Routine
In every family, there should be one rule everyone follows: brushing before bed and brush before leaving the house. An essential aspect is to ensure that your family is brushing twice daily.
Young children love to imitate their parents, so take the opportunity to lead by example. Play a game with them, like monkey-see, monkey-do. Have your toothbrushes and make them follow what you do. “When you open your mouth, they open their mouths. When you start brushing your front teeth, they start brushing their front teeth – and so on until it’s time to rinse. It’s a fun way to teach them how to brush properly, and that way, you get to spend a little time together.”
Making brushing a family affair helps to ensure healthy oral habits. Some kids want to do everything on their own, even toothpaste, so you watch them make sure they’re not using more than required—a rice-sized smear for kids under two and the size of a pea for kids three and above. You can also do a quick lookout for any leftover food when brush time is done.
Try a New Angle
When children are about six months old, ask a family member to hold the child while you brush or brush when your child is lying down. This way, you can see their teeth from front to back the best at that time.
If your kid is old enough to stand and wants to brush in the bathroom, stand behind your child and have them look up at you. It helps the mouth to hang open and allows you to brush your child’s teeth more easily.
Bigger Kids, Bigger Challenges
Checking your child’s daily dental hygiene habits does not end as they get older. It is more challenging if they get your driver’s license and move to college. “The new drivers may drive through any fast-food chain for food and beverages that they can’t find in a health-minded home. The new college student is staying up late either studying or socializing. They will not have a nightly routine, so they may be more likely to sleep without brushing.”
While your children are still at home, check-in on their brushing and talk to them about healthy eating, especially when it comes to beverages or sugary drinks that are acidic, after they leave home, encourage healthier habits through care packages with toothpaste, toothbrushes or interdental cleaners such as floss with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. And if they’re home on break, ensure they get to the dentist for routine check-ups! Or when school break is too hectic– you can find a dentist near campus to make sure they can keep up with their regular visits.
Play Detective
As children get older, they’re probably taking care of their teeth away from your eyes. Ask your older children if they’ve brushed, and check up on them, check to see if their toothbrushes are wet. “There may be times that toothbrush was bone dry. Go back and say, “OK, together, it is time to do it.”
If you think that your child is just running their toothbrush underwater, go one step further say, ‘Allow me to smell your breath so that I can smell the toothpaste. It all goes back to establishing a routine and holding your child accountable.”
Above All, Don’t Give Up.
If getting your child to stand at the sink for two minutes feels like its own accomplishment (much less brush), you’re not alone. Just be mindful to keep your cool and be persistent.
Eventually, brushing will become a pleasure,”. Parents must set a good example by brushing along with their children. Once the child is brushing on their own, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and you will too!”
