Dreamstime
February is National Dental Hygiene month, which means it’s a great time to get your kids on board with learning how to brush their teeth properly — and actually enjoy it.
No more battling your kids to take responsibility for cleaning their teeth or going back and doing it again. These insider tips from a mom who has been there and done that will have you feeling prepared to tackle the tricky life-lesson of teaching your children how to take care of their teeth.
Ages 0-2
It’s never too early to start cleaning the inside of your child’s mouth. For this age, when your child has not yet sprouted his first tooth, use a damp washcloth to wipe his gums down after nursing or bottle-feeding. If your child has a few teeth, use a finger brush with a tiny amount (the size of the tip of a pencil) of fluoride-free toothpaste and do it yourself. Getting your children in the habit of cleaning their mouths is a great way to get them prepared for their very first visit to the dentist.
Around age two is when your dentist will recommend doing a “lap” exam for their first dental visit. This just means the child sits in your lap (facing you) and lays back with her head on your knees. The dentist goes knee-to-knee with the parent while looking at the inside of your daughter’s mouth. The exam is usually just a few minutes long and the dentist is checking for any signs of decay.
Ages 3-5
By now, your child should be seeing a dentist and brushing his or her own teeth with adult supervision. Buying a toothbrush with a smaller, softer head will ensure your child has the best toothbrush for his mouth. For the younger ages (3-5), using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride in it will ensure your child is getting the protection he needs to keep his tooth enamel strong. To make the actual process of tooth brushing more fun, humming the “Happy Birthday” song is a great way to get your child involved in the process. Doing this serves two purposes: 1.) Making sure your child is brushing long enough and, 2.) Keeping him or her engaged long enough to keep the toothbrush in their mouth.
Flossing & Brushing
Your child should be seeing the dentist every six months for regular check-ups once they turn 3. Flossing is encouraged, even at this young age, especially when kids are learning to do some basic tasks for themselves. Buying the kid-friendly floss sticks is much easier than trying to use the floss adults use. You can get all sorts of fun floss sticks that are colored, flavored, and even character-shaped to help encourage flossing.
If you see that your child is having a hard time with wanting to brush her teeth or brush them long enough to actually make a difference, try brushing your teeth with her. Grab your toothbrush and do it together. Kids are more likely to try new things and be encouraged to brush their teeth when they see that mom and dad do it too. Have a brush-your-teeth-a-thon and see who can brush them the longest. There will still be some children who just don’t want to brush their teeth. Try taking them to the store and letting them pick out their own toothbrush..
Special Needs
If you have a child with special needs, look for dentists who specialize in this. Most kids get anxious about going to the dentist anyway so if you can find one who is sensitive to your child’s needs, you’ll be setting them up for a successful visit. Calling ahead of time and talking to the front office about what your child’s specific challenges are and asking if the dentist is familiar with working with children like yours, can take the worry out of the appointment for you as the parent. Even if your visit does not go as smoothly as you had hoped, you can always try another dentist.
Teaching your children about keeping their teeth clean is a great way to introduce what it means to take care of their bodies. Don’t be afraid to tackle the tooth-brushing battle with your kids. They may surprise you at how well they can keep those teeth sparkling white.
Brushing Up
Dove Family Dentists in Memphis recommends the following books to help get your child more comfortable with the idea of visiting the dentist.
Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
This classic and heartwarming book follows Little Critter while he visits the dentist. It covers topics like x-rays, professional dental cleanings, and even finding a cavity. It’s a great option for preparing your child for their visit to the dentist.
ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth from A to Z by Harriet Ziefert
If you want to combine learning the alphabet with helping your child feel confident about the dentist, then this book is for you! It covers 26 letter-specific entries that include facts about dental care, equipment, procedures, and more.
My Dentistry, My Friend by P.K. Hallinan
This book uses a fun rhyme scheme to discuss dental health topics like brushing and flossing, while also covering why seeing the dentist is important and what your child can expect during an appointment.
Sesame Street Ready, Set, Brush! by Che Rodko
For children who are already familiar with Sesame Street characters like Elmo, this pop-up book is a fun option focused on proper tooth brushing, why it is essential, and how seeing the dentist helps keep them healthy. It also uses a fun rhyme structure and a few interactive elements, making the whole process as entertaining as it is helpful.
Sugarbug Doug: All About Cavities, Plaque and Teeth by Dr. Ben Magleby
Sugarbug Doug and its companion coloring book (sold separately) explains how sugar can damage teeth as well as how the dentist helps to keep their mouth healthy. It promotes proper oral care and also helps relieve many fears children may have about seeing the dentist.
Have You Ever Seen a Moose Brushing His Teeth? by Jamie McClaine and April Goodman Willy
The rhyming structure and fun images chronicle a moose’s journey as he cares for his “toofers” and regains his “pearly whites” after neglecting his teeth.
Dentist Trip with Peppa Pig by Scholastic
This tale follows Peppa and George, two beloved pig characters, as Peppa helps George prepare for his first dental visit. George is initially nervous, but Peppa shows him all of the ways a trip to the dentist can be fun, making it a great book for children who are experiencing some anxiety about their visit.