As adults, we all know how important it is to brush our teeth. Chances are, however, that the habit didn’t come naturally to you. Your parents likely had to teach you the proper technique and instill the habit of brushing every day into you. Making sure your son or daughter knows how to correctly brush their teeth is critical to their long-term oral health. If you need some help, read this guide to teeth brushing training in Naperville.
Use the Right Tools
Small children don’t exactly have the manual dexterity to work full-size toothbrushes. So, you should buy them child-sized brushes. The next time you make a trip to the dental section of your local grocery store or pharmacy, let your child tag along. Allow them to pick out their favorite flavor of toothpaste and a toothbrush featuring their favorite cartoon character. They’ll be more likely to brush if they had some input in the purchasing process.
Start the Routine Early
It’s never too early to make brushing a part of your child’s bedtime routine. Before their teeth come in, wipe down their gums with a clean, cool cloth every evening. When their teeth start to erupt, switch to a toothbrush. Before their first birthday, schedule a visit with their pediatric dentist in Naperville. At this appointment, the dentist can give you even more advice on how to clean your child’s mouth.
Set a Good Example
Kids love to copy whatever Mommy and Daddy are doing, so it’s important that you take care of your own oral hygiene. If your child sees you brushing every night before bed, they’re more likely to partake in the habit themselves. To make it a little extra fun, pretend to be a mirror when you and your little one brush together, and encourage them to copy your every move.
Offer Incentives
For every night that your son or daughter remembers to brush all on their own, place a smiley-face sticker on the calendar. When a whole week or month full of stickers has passed by, let your child select a reward, such as staying up a few minutes later at bedtime or choosing the next fun family outing.
Creating a fun routine of brushing at home will help instill the habit in them from a young age. This will keep their teeth shining brightly as they age, and severely decrease their chances of developing dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
About the Author
Dr. Asim Awan is a children’s dentist in Naperville who has been working as a dentist for over a decade now. He is also a Board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He works hard every day to make sure his young patients have a positive dental experience that will shape the rest of their lives. To learn more advice about how to get your child to brush their teeth, visit Dr. Asim’s website.