Brushing and Flossing Tips provided by Dr. David Raphael
, Dr. Patricia Peirano
, and Dr. Jennifer Dole in Portland, OR at Portland Children's Dentistry
Brushing and Flossing Tips for Kids
Portland, OR
You that it is important for your child to brush and floss their teeth, but getting them to do so can sometimes be a struggle. Your child may find the task boring, or they rush through the motions to get back to something more fun. At Portland Children's Dentistry, it is our goal to help your child develop good oral hygiene habits so that they can maintain a healthy mouth. We have compiled a list of tips to help you get your child brushing and flossing every day.
Take Them Shopping
The chances are that you do not think very much about the toothbrush or floss that you choose when you go to the store. You go to the pharmacy section, grab one, and go. Have you ever taken a look at the section of oral care tools designed for kids? There are all kinds of brightly colored toothbrushes and tools decorated with popular cartoon characters. While you may know their favorite color or cartoon show, bring your child with you to pick out their toothbrush and floss. By giving them the freedom to choose their tools, they are much more likely to want to use them.
Lead by Example
Even if it does not always seem like it, your child is watching, and learning from, everything you do. If you brush and floss your teeth every day, they are more likely to view it as a normal part of the daily routine. You can take it one step further and brush and floss with your child. Show them how to apply toothpaste and how you brush all surfaces. Demonstrate the proper flossing technique. Let your child brush your teeth to practice. Monitor them while they brush and floss. Younger children may need you to go back over their teeth to ensure that they have not missed any spots.
Make it Fun
Brushing and flossing can seem like a tedious activity for adults. Imagine how boring it must be for your child. Kids often rush through brushing and flossing or try to skip out altogether in favor of something more fun. There are things that you can do to make their oral hygiene routine more fun. Download an app that plays music for two minutes. Sing a song about oral care. You can find numerous song lyrics online that go in tune with popular songs for kids. Alternatively, you can try telling a story about the heroic toothbrush and floss defeating the evil plaque and bacteria.
Read a Book on Brushing
Many books for kids are designed to teach them. There are books about going to the getting a new sibling, books about bedtime, and books about making new friends. There are also books about the importance of brushing and flossing. These books are easy for kids to follow, have fun characters, and are filled with bright illustrations. Before brushing and flossing, have a small story time with your child with a book about oral hygiene.
Questions about Brushing and Flossing?
Do have have questions about helping your child maintain their oral health? Contact our friendly Portland Children's Dentistry staff at . We are here to help! |
