Start Your Children Young on The Importance of Brushing and Flossing:

As a parent, you will have numerous opportunities to teach your children valuable skills and each one will yield priceless memories. Your child’s first step, your child’s first word, your child’s first bike ride, your child’s first unassisted brushing and flossing session…well, maybe that last one won’t be as memorable, but Dr. Phillip Lance & Dr. Katherine Lebedev wants to remind all parents that good oral hygiene habits begin in childhood. So, today, your Mason dentist Miami Valley Smiles would like to take this opportunity give you some tips on teaching your kids to brush and floss.

Good Brushing Habits Last Forever

Just in case you have that nagging question about baby teeth, we’ll settle it right now. What’s the point of taking care of baby teeth, if they get a whole new set in a few years? As baby teeth come in, they are literally setting the stage for adult teeth. Premature tooth loss can mess up the corresponding adult tooth’s placement. Bad hygiene in the early years can also cause infection, difficulty speaking and eating, pain, and even self-esteem problems that stick around long after your child has lost their baby teeth. Your kids will be rid of their baby teeth by 12 or 13, but the hygiene skills they learned to use will last them a lifetime. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, four out of ten kids in kindergarten have already had a cavity. The best thing you can do is start an oral hygiene routine early and keep it up:

Start in infancy. Wipe your baby’s gums after every meal with a moist cloth or a soft, infant toothbrush, but no toothpaste. Not only will this help with teething, it is also their first exposure to dental hygiene.
Once he or she has their first tooth, it’s time to visit Dr. Phillip Lance & Dr. Katherine Lebedev. It’s also time to start brushing twice a day. We recommend getting them in the habit of brushing right after breakfast and just before bed. Again, no toothpaste. Mason kids shouldn’t use toothpaste until they are old enough to rinse and spit.
When is it time for them to start brushing their own teeth? Get them started at 2 or 3, but supervise and help out a lot. Especially with the flossing. Between 6 and 8 is when they’ll be ready to take the reins.
Make it fun! Using stories, games, and music will help keep the griping to a minimum and form positive memories that will support good habits in adulthood. There are even smartphone apps that can help!

Ideas for Making Brushing and Flossing Fun

Getting kids into a routine of brushing and flossing can be a fun and interactive process. Turn dental care into a game by introducing colorful toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste. Let your child pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste with their preferred flavors to make the experience more enjoyable. Consider setting a timer for two minutes to make sure they brush for the recommended duration, and play their favorite song during this time to create a lively atmosphere. You can even turn it into a family affair by brushing your teeth together, setting a positive example and reinforcing the importance of oral hygiene.

Incorporating storytelling can also make dental care engaging for kids. Create a fun and imaginative story about “tooth superheroes” battling “cavity monsters.” Encourage your child to brush and floss to help the superheroes protect their teeth from the pesky villains. Additionally, consider using a reward system, such as a sticker chart, where your child can place a sticker every time they successfully complete their brushing and flossing routine. Small incentives, like a special treat or a fun activity, can motivate and reinforce the habit of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Be a Good Role Model for Your Kids

Being a positive role model is crucial when encouraging your kids to prioritize oral hygiene. Demonstrate the importance of brushing and flossing by consistently maintaining your own dental care routine. Make it a family affair by brushing and flossing together, turning it into a shared, daily ritual. When your children see you prioritizing dental health, they are more likely to perceive it as a natural and essential part of their routine as well.

In addition to leading by example, openly communicate with your kids about the benefits of good oral hygiene. Share personal experiences related to dental care, whether positive or emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes. Explain how regular brushing and flossing contribute to a healthy and confident smile. Encourage questions and discussions, making oral hygiene a topic that is easy for your kids to understand and engage with. By fostering an open and communicative environment, you not only lead by example but also empower your children to take responsibility for their own dental health.

What else can you do? Give us a call! The Miami Valley Smiles team are no strangers to brushing kids’ teeth, and we would love to help you teach your children good oral hygiene for a lifelong healthy smile.

If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule a visit with your Mason dentists, Dr. Phillip Lance & Dr. Katherine Lebedev at Miami Valley Smiles in Mason Ohio, give us a call today at (513) 398-0038 or request an appointment easily online below. We look forward to smiling with you!