Figuring out how to teach a child to practice good oral hygiene can be tough, especially if your little one is resistant. However, the great news is that there are dentist for kids that have the expertise that will not only keep the kids' teeth healthy for they will also guide the guardian or the parents in teaching the child oral hygiene. Through the use of proper strategies, your kids may be able to build up a strong home care routine that enhances lifelong oral health.

When to Start Brushing Your Baby's Teeth?

The first year of a baby's life is a critical time for learning how to brush teeth. Because babies start to eat solid foods around six months of age, their teeth begin to shift from milk to solid foods. This is the time when it is important to start teaching your baby how to brush his or her teeth. You can start with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and then gradually add other oral hygiene products such as floss, tongue cleaner, and mouth rinses. You may also want to introduce these items at bath time or when your baby is first starting to eat solid foods.

Tips to Teach Your Child Good Oral Hygiene

To help your child practice good oral hygiene, start when they are young. At this stage, you are not necessarily teaching the child how to apply great oral hygiene, but they are getting into the routine and establishing the foundation, which will make it easier when they get older.

When your child starts eating the solid food and begins teething, you may use the finger brush. It is a made out of a rubber, had soft bristles and will slip onto the index finger comfortably. Gradually rub the finger and then brush along the gum line of the baby and around the coming teeth. You may begin brushing the baby's teeth when an initial tooth fully erupts.

Brushing and flossing your toddler's teeth is essential

A good child's toothbrush will encourage him or her to brush their teeth with a lot of enthusiasm. It doesn't matter which toothbrush is used, but choose a soft-bristled one since firmer bristles might cause irritation.

Fluoride helps protect tooth enamel from decay by strengthening its protective covering. Toothpaste with too much fluoride can cause excessive buildup of minerals. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that kids under 3 use a smaller amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste than recommended. Parents should also discuss their child's fluoride use with his or her dentist.

Even though it may seem like most kids are not prepared to do their own tooth brushing, it's important to start teaching them as soon as possible. Teens and adults may not have the dexterity or motor skills to properly brush their teeth, but it is important to try to teach them nonetheless.

For little ones, you need to bend over and grab the toothbrush to hold it for them. If it hurts, let them know it is not fun. If they won't lie down, you can still have them hold the toothbrush by sitting on the bed or a chair on the floor. Gently holding it like this gives some control.

As your child is brushing on their own, you can do a follow-up to make sure they didn't miss any areas. This will help them become independent in their oral hygiene habits.

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