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Tooth Brushing Tips for Kids

by | May 2, 2018

One of those necessary life skills every child needs to learn is brushing his or her teeth. Each child has different skills and needs parents helping him or her brush.

 

 

1. Keeping the child engaged in brushing

While you should brush twice a day, doing it before bed is most important, because while your tot is lying (generally) still, bacteria has a chance to grow undisturbed.

2. Make it a family activity

Jessica Ray, a registered dental assistant in Red Deer, Alta., suggests trying to make it fun. “Turn tooth-brushing time into a happy time. Sing songs. Make up rhymes,” she says. In our house, my husband and I would sing the Raffi classic “Brush Your Teeth” to our daughter, Rosalind. There’s also a popular Elmo video (“Brushy Brush”) on YouTube featuring celeb cameos.

3. Playing Dentist

The Mayo Clinic suggests using short back-and-forth strokes directly at the gumline, so start there. Give your child the chance to “play dentist,” reminding him or her to brush the fronts and backs of the doll’s teeth. Practicing good technique on a teddy bear’s teeth will encourage them to use the same method on their own.

4. Offer a reward

A sticker or letting them help pick out tomorrow’s outfit may be all the encouragement that they need.

5. Let them pick their toothbrush

If you don’t want to spend that much money on a new toothbrush, at least allow them to pick out their favorite color when buying ordinary toothbrushes.

 

SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics

Need more tips? Our Urgent Care for children is geared towards helping you succeed when it comes to your kid’s health. Check out our blog for more great advice!

At KidsStreet Urgent Care, we want you to have every tool in your toolkit to keep your child healthy. We work with pediatricians to ensure that you’re given the best advice when it comes to your child’s health.

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