With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month I thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss teeth care in children.
Many children do not like to brush their teeth. It is a nuisance to them and cuts in to their time that they could use on other more important issues to them, such as playing. Establishing some basic rules early on in life when they are very small will minimize the negative reaction that you may get when you remind them to go and brush their teeth. If teeth brushing is a part of their daily routine from the time that they are very small it will not seem like such a bother to them and they may actually enjoy it.
Visiting the dentist regularly is also extremely important. The first dental visit should be around the ages of 2 or 3 so that they not only can be examined, but to get accustomed to the dentist as well. Visiting the dentist every six months is then recommended.
Getting your children to brush their teeth may take some additional encouragement. Let your children select a couple of different kinds of toothbrushes at the store. This helps to make it fun and gives them choices. Make sure that it is a soft bristled toothbrush for their delicate gums. Have them brush their teeth twice daily for two minutes, preferably morning and evening. If you can sneak an after lunch brushing in there also that would be great. Purchase a timer and set it for two minutes so that they will know when they can stop brushing their teeth.
Remember that children learn by good example. They are watching you so make sure that they can see that you are brushing your teeth and visiting your dentist as well!