Convincing children to brush their teeth regularly is a common struggle among many parents. But experts point out that it’s a fight worth having. Tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children aged between 6 to 19 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, poor oral hygiene in children has been linked to everything from speech delays, infections, dental pain and diabetes. 

We know that oral health is closely linked to overall health, if we make sure children receive proper dental education and care early on, it will help them to be healthy throughout their lives. 

Why is brushing teeth in children important 

Helping children develop regular brushing habits is very important, as the first years of life shape their habits as adults. Parents should encourage children to brush their teeth to avoid common oral health issues such as:

·       Teeth decay 

·       Plague build-up 

·       Bad breath 

·       And gum disease 

Getting children o brush their teeth can be quite a challenge, since they can easily get bored and find the activity devastating. Fortunately, there are fun ways to teach kids to take care or their oral health. Below are five ways to make brushing and flossing a fun and regular – part of child’s daily routine.  

Start oral hygiene early 

Its never too early to make brushing and flossing a part of your children routine. In fact, it is recommended to start dental care even before your child first tooth arrives. During infancy, wipe down your babies’ gums at night with a soft dump, clean cloth. Then switch to brushing when their teeth come in at around 6 months. Schedule a dental visit to the dentist by the first birthday, regardless of the number of teeth they have. Simple mindfulness exercises can help sooth a pre appointment fears and familiarize the child with oral health. 

Set a good example 

Kids look up to you and want to emulate your habits. Brushing your teeth with them will show your child that you do it, too. This also helps establish a consistent routine for both you and your child. Brushing your teeth together with the child helps build a strong relationship between you and your child and such small gestures go a long way in maintain good oral health 

Sing a song 

Singing a song is a way to beat boredom while your children brush their teeth. Spend at least two minutes singing or humming along to a song, engage your child to ensure they are able to last at least two minutes when brushing 

Turn tooth brushing into a game

Boredom is a common reason why children my not want to brush their teeth. Turning brushing into a game that engages the child will help time to fly away quick and make the process fun. 

Choose the right tools 

Brushing and flossing can be difficult for kids’ little hands. Always opt for age-appropriate tooth such as toddler tooth brushes, and kids’ toothpaste yummy flavor.  Tooth brush and toothpaste brands also make kids products with flashy colors, yummy flavors and characters from kids shows and movies that are more attractive to kids 

You can also Let your child choose their toothbrush and tooth paste, this will fill brushing time with fun and they will associate dental hygiene with things they resonate with and love. 

Give a reward 

You can also build a positive association, by rewarding your children for brushing your teeth. You can set a goal for them on the number of times they brush their teeth in a week and give a reward if achieves. This helps kids with consistency as they have something to strive for.

Bottom line 

Regular visit to the dentist’s office re vital to maintaining a child’s healthy smile. At Baraka Smiles Dental Clinic our friendly staff member help children understand how and why they should take care of their teeth at home. We encourage you bring your child in for a dental checkup and routine dental cleaning. This helps your child grow and maintain strong healthy teeth for a brighter future