Ask a Family Dentist: How Can I Encourage My Child to Brush Their Teeth?

Wondering whether a family dentist has any tips or tricks to get your child to brush their teeth? As a parent, it can be extremely difficult to get children to brush their teeth regularly. Thankfully, with the help of a family dentist, children can adopt new brushing habits to ensure that they maintain good oral health. Family dentists specialize in treating both adults and children, and they are great resources to make use of when struggling with anything relating to the teeth, including oral hygiene.

This article outlines what a family dentist has to say about encouraging children to brush their teeth.

Tips from a family dentist for getting children to brush their teeth

The following information can be helpful for parents who are struggling to get their children to brush their teeth. Read on to find out what a family dentist has to say on this topic.

1. Brush together

Family dentists recommend that parents brush their teeth with their children to help encourage them. When children see their parent brushing their teeth, it can help them understand the importance of doing so. Parents can talk with a family dentist about certain techniques to use to show how to properly brush. Family dentists recommend that parents make it a habit to brush with their child in the morning and at night. Children adapt well to routines and enforcing a brushing one can be helpful for ensuring that it sticks.

2. Use a song

A lot of family dentists tell parents to implement a song into the brushing routine. Oftentimes, children will brush their teeth for a few seconds and then give up. However, it is actually necessary to brush for at least two minutes. Implementing a two-minute or longer song into the brushing routine can help children stay focused. Songs can be fun, which a lot of children respond better to.

3. Explain what cavities are

One way to help encourage children to brush their teeth is to simply explain and illustrate the importance of oral hygiene. Taking children to visit their family dentist can also allow for an opportunity for cavities to be explained. When children understand the potential risks of not brushing, they may be more encouraged to do it regularly.

Family dentists can also show children what cavities look like on artificial tooth models, as children typically respond well to visual models.

4. Use the mirror

When children brush their teeth at home, they are likely going to be near a mirror. Family dentists encourage parents to use the mirror when helping their children brush. The mirror allows the child to see all of their teeth. Children enjoy visuals and seeing each and every one of their teeth may be helpful when trying to get them to brush.

Looking for a family dentist?

Brushing is important to do every single day, for both children and adults. For further information about brushing tips, reach out to our office today. Our team is here to help you and your children get a brushing routine down.

Request an appointment here:https://www.gatewaydental.orgor call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at(301) 485-7492for an appointment in our Bowie office.

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