Encouraging Children to Adopt Good Oral Health Habits

One of the phrases that parents will utter on a daily basis to their children is "go brush and floss" at bedtime. However, many children skip this necessary nightly ritual. It's therefore important for parents to check whether the children have actually used their toothbrush and floss before bed.

Introducing Children to Brushing Early

General advice regarding brushing and flossing a child's teeth suggests beginning these rituals very early when the child is still an infant and the parent must brush the child's teeth. When the child gets his or her first teeth, a family dentist Colorado Springs may recommend rubbing the teeth with a simple wet cloth to keep them free of debris.

As the child grows, the parent will introduce toothpaste to the ritual and will eventually add flossing into the mix. For the first few years when a child is old enough to brush his or her own teeth, it may behoove the parent to accompany the child to the bathroom to make sure the child is brushing correctly.

Creating a Daily Habit of Brushing

When a parent begins brushing a child's teeth when the child is only a few years old, the child will benefit from remembering a lifetime of brushing. There will be no memories of going to bed without brushing the teeth, so the process will be as ingrained as putting on pajamas and getting tucked in at night by a parent.

If a child resists brushing his or her teeth because of the strong taste of toothpaste, there are pastes available that have a mild or sweet flavor. There are also floss options that are flavorless or have a flavor that is attractive to children like bubblegum. The child will eventually give up these childhood flavors for standard adult toothpaste.

Preparing to Visit the Dentist

Another benefit of teaching a child how to brush his or her teeth early in life is that visiting the dentist won't feel so scary for the child. It can help to bring the child to a family dentist or a dentist who specializes in working with children, and familiarity with brushing can also help a child feel comfortable at the dentist's office.

Teaching a child to brush his or her teeth regularly is one of the most important habits a parent can offer. It is never too early to begin lessons on good oral care and brushing the teeth twice a day.