Blog Highlights:

• Kids are not exempted when it comes to tooth decay, this is why they need to have their teeth brushed as soon as the first one erupts
• You can use games, apps, and even oral hygiene products that have different colors and flavors to entice your child to brush his or her teeth for as long as the product has the ADA Seal of Acceptance
• You can encourage your child to brush by giving rewards after brushing twice a day for several days in a row
• Kids below three years old will need to use fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, while children who are three to six years old will need a pea-sized amount

Kids have to brush their teeth properly simply because their teeth are also at risk for developing cavities if they are not able to do the proper oral hygiene practices. Unfortunately, a lot of parents struggle when it comes to making sure that their children brush their teeth for two minutes, two times each day. Nevertheless, as parents, it is our responsibility to try to teach our kids to maintain this practice on a daily basis simply because it can have a huge impact on their oral health later on in life. Some of the best ways to encourage your child to brush their teeth daily are by letting them know that tooth brushing is fun and that it can help them fight against bad guys like bad breath and cavities.

Another way for you to encourage your child to brush is to make use of apps or games, you can even let your child have a toothbrush or a toothpaste that showcases his or her favorite cartoon character. You can even buy toothpaste products that have sparkles, colors, or flavors that are appealing to your child. Parents can choose any of these products for as long as they have the ADA Seal of Acceptance that will help give you the assurance that your child is using something that has been proven effective.

Tooth brushing must be done as soon as the first tooth erupts. As a guide, children below three years old need a small amount of fluoride toothpaste that is the size of a small grain of rice. Children who are three to six years old on the other hand will need a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

To do the brushing, place the toothbrush on your child’s teeth at a 45-degree angle to your child’s gums. Brush his or her teeth using short strokes that are as wide as your child’s tooth. Do this with a back and forth motion. Make sure that you are able to brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. When brushing the inner surfaces of the front teeth, place the toothbrush parallel to the back of the child’s teeth and use up and down strokes.

If the child reaches six years of age, or if you think that he or she is now capable of brushing on his or her own, you need to make sure that your child is using the right amount of toothpaste, and that your child is spitting it out after brushing. To make sure that your child is brushing for two minutes, you can set a timer or use a kiddy song that can help your child brush for two minutes. Keep track of your child’s brushing by using a chart, and encourage your child further by giving rewards.