As a parent to a toddler, you might be growing more concerned about your child’s oral health as their baby teeth begin to emerge. Prioritizing oral hygiene and dental visits becomes increasingly important during this stage. One significant challenge you’ll encounter is introducing toothbrushing to your child. Convincing an energetic toddler to sit still for two minutes might seem like a daunting task, but it’s entirely achievable. To make the process as smooth as possible, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to brush your child’s teeth with ease.
Step 1: Getting Prepared
As a parent, the initial step to make oral healthcare exciting for your child is to set the stage in an engaging way. Involve your child in the process of selecting their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Opt for toothbrushes and toothpaste with flavors they enjoy or designs featuring their favorite characters. This participation can make toothbrushing a more enjoyable and interactive experience for them.
After obtaining the appropriate tools, it’s essential to integrate toothbrushing into your child’s routine. Identify two times during the day when your child is most likely to cooperate and sit still with you.
To encourage their involvement, consider setting up a sticker chart or reward system, making oral health a more serious and fun activity for them. This approach can motivate and engage your child, making toothbrushing a positive experience in their daily routine.
Step 2: Brushing Properly
Once you’ve successfully positioned your child in front of a sink, the next step is to begin brushing their teeth. Start by applying toothpaste to the brush. For children under 3 years old, it’s recommended to use a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. From ages 3 to 6, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is more appropriate.
Begin the toothbrushing process by brushing the inside of your child’s teeth, followed by the outside, and then the chewing surfaces. Keep the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, pointing towards the gumline, and use a back-and-forth motion to brush effectively. Lastly, ensure that your child spits out or rinses the toothpaste, as swallowing fluoride toothpaste is not recommended for kids.
Step 3: Get them Excited
After mastering the fundamentals, the key to success is consistency. To achieve this, focus on making toothbrushing a fun and enjoyable experience for your child. By incorporating fun elements and engaging activities into the routine, you can encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene regularly.
It’s essential to offer your child plenty of praise for their efforts, and consider rewarding them when they brush consistently. To make toothbrushing enjoyable, try singing songs, doing dances, or playing games during the activity—whatever brings excitement and fun into the routine! By combining positive reinforcement and engaging activities, you can create a positive association with toothbrushing, motivating your child to maintain good oral hygiene habits with enthusiasm.
About the Practice
At Healthy Kids Dentistry, there’s nothing we love more than showing children that dentistry is nothing to fear. Dr. José Garcia and Dr. Thomas Kim take personal pride in their ability to help even the most anxious patients smile brightly. If you have any questions about how to best support your child’s oral health or would like to schedule a visit with Dr. Garcia or Dr. Kim, visit Healthy Kids Dentistry’s website or call their office at (301) 871-8880.