Three Tips To Use To Improve Your Child's Oral Hygiene

When you have a young child, it is important to find ways to get them excited about things that they may not be excited about. One essential task that many children have difficulty with is having good oral hygiene habits. If you have a young child, use the guide below to learn a few quick tips to make establishing good oral care easier.

Don't Restrict Your Child to Just One Tooth Brush

Many adults only have one toothbrush at a time because they use it until it is ready to be replaced. For children, being able to choose from multiple toothbrushes based on their mood that day can often make it easier to get them to brush their teeth. Allow your child to pick out their own toothbrushes. Some children enjoy toothbrushes that vibrate, while others prefer brushes that simply light up. There are many different types of toothbrushes on the market, so it is best to give your child plenty of time to select the brushes that they like the best when at the store.

Ensure Your Child Knows How Long to Brush

It is recommended that everyone brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes at a time during each brushing. Many children do not have any concept of time and therefore do not know when 2 minutes have passed when brushing their teeth. It is best to have a small egg timer near the sink for children to use when they brush their teeth. You can make a mark next to the 2-minute mark to indicate where the handle should be turned when your child starts brushing their teeth. Let them know that when the timer goes off and they can be done brushing their teeth.

Choose Mouthwash and Toothpaste that Has an Enjoyable Flavor

Spearmint and cinnamon are often flavors that are too strong for children to be able to handle when brushing their teeth. There are children's toothpastes and mouthwashes available that are made in fruity or sweet flavors that may be more appealing to your child. Choosing a toothpaste and mouthwash that have a flavor your child enjoys will increase the chances of them using it on a regular basis.

If your child still has difficulty brushing their teeth on a regular basis, consider allowing them to brush their teeth with you in the mornings and at night. This will allow them to see that it is something that you are doing as well and allow them to learn how to do it properly. For more advice, talk to a pediatric dentist at a dental office such as Hoffman & Karl Dental Associates, PLLC.

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