HOW TO MAKE BRUSHING FUN FOR YOUR KIDS?

Most parents find it difficult to get their children to brush their teeth properly and regularly. But despite the problem and protests of the children, parents must make them brush their teeth. Motivating them is an ongoing process. As parents this should start soon after the baby is born. It is rather difficult job to prevent children eating soft and sticky foods especially chocolates, sweets and pastries. So parents have no option but to monitor and insist on brushing after intake of sugars. For this, parents themselves have to set an example for the kids by maintaining good oral health by preventive oral care and teeth for life.
• Parents can set a good example by cleaning the infant’s mouth with a finger and gauze right from the first month so the baby gets used to the feeling of a clean mouth.
• Make it fun by letting your child brush your teeth or brush a doll or any toy and then brush the child’s teeth.
• Allow them to play with the brush and brush their own teeth and then you follow up with proper cleaning.
• Show them pictures of other children brushing in books and this can motivate them.
• Have a song and dance routine to which they can brush their teeth and have lots of fun.
• Let your child look in a mirror while you brush and floss so they can see how you do it properly.
• The best and most successful method is to follow good oral hygiene yourself and the children will automatically follow. Children are great followers; if they see parents being enthusiastic about brushing then they will follow.
Tooth brushing is important to follow on a daily basis so as to prevent tooth decay. The best way is to have regular dental checkups and the dentist should show your child how to clean his/her teeth. Using a good technique ia as important as using a good brush and toothpaste.
• Use a soft bristled brush and make sure it is the right-head size for the child.
• Younger children can use a gentle, short, back and forth motion to remove the plaque.
• Older children around 4 or 5 years of age can switch a slightly more thorough brushing which should last at least 2-3 minutes.
• Hold the brush at an angle so the bristles are at a 45degree angle to the teeth and gums.
• Move the brush back and forth with short strokes so any plaque will be removed.
• Brush the inside and outside surface of each tooth, top and bottom.
• Hold the brush flat on top of the teeth and brush the chewing surfaces with back and forth motion.
• Change the brush position with each tooth.
• Brushing your child’s tongue will remove the debris and bacteria and help freshen the breath.
Following the above methods will keep your child’s mouth clean and germ free. Must remember to rinse the child’s mouth very well and make sure that he/she spits out all the toothpaste so as to minimize swallowing.