Your Kids Brushing Habits: 4 Points You Must Know

Instilling these habits early prevents cavities, promotes healthy gums, and sets the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles. This blog enlists 4 main points on maintaining kids' oral health that you can implement in your daily life.

Why Start Early with Brushing Habits?

Children are likely to take their childhood habits into adulthood– good and bad. This includes brushing habits as well. Teach them to brush their teeth on time, the amount of toothpaste to be used, and the proper brushing techniques, and help them brush their teeth on their own as soon as they are old enough to do things on their own, which is usually around 3 years of age. Starting brushing habits at an early age helps prevent tooth decay and aids in a smooth transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth while familiarizing them with proper dental care routines.

Point 1: Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

While selecting a brush for your child, opt for one with soft bristles and a small head. It should be comfortable for them– cleaning all teeth but not getting stuck in their mouth or leaving no space. Along with a suitable brush, choose a kid-safe toothpaste or, as recommended by the dentist, as their sensitive oral health may react to regular toothpaste, which is often intended for adults. Change their toothbrush every 3-4 months or when their bristles start fraying.

Point 2: Supervise and Teach Proper Brushing Technique

Demonstrate them 'how to'– because kids learn faster when they see instead of hearing theoretically. Teach them how to hold the toothbrush perfectly and brush their teeth in outward motion from their gums. Encourage brushing their teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Keep supervising them in brushing until they develop the skills to brush their teeth independently.

Pro tip: You can also use a timer or play a song to keep them more engaged in brushing time.

Point 3: Make Brushing a Fun Routine

Try not to make brushing an essential chore that just needs to be done. Make it more of a fun activity that children enjoy following. You could try creating a playful environment while brushing, letting the kids choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste flavors, or using reward charts to encourage consistent brushing habits.

Point 4: Importance of Brushing Before Bed

As important as it is for kids to brush their teeth in the morning, it is also essential to brush them at night. Night-time brushing helps remove bacterial buildup, reducing the chances of cavities. You can try methods like setting a fixed bedtime brushing schedule, incorporating night-time brushing into the bedtime story or relaxation routine, using gentle reminders, and explaining to them the importance of being consistent.

Additional Tips for Parents

Additionally, you, as parents, have to follow some tips to create consistency and a positive approach, which can be a key to successful brushing habits:

Parenting Tips:

1. Be their role model: Brush your teeth alongside your kids so they see you and learn to brush properly.

2. Educate: Tell them about why brushing is important and how brushing can make their teeth better.

3. Regular dental checkups: Take them for regular visits to the dentist to monitor their oral health.

By teaching proper brushing habits to children, you are, in a way, investing in their oral and overall health. With the right techniques and a hint of creativity, this daily task can be turned into a fun activity. If you are looking for kids dental care in Chandkheda Ahmedabad, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment today.