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TIPS TO GET YOUR KIDS TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH
Brushing your toddler’s teeth can sometimes be a mission you just don’t want to tackle. They can wriggle, whine, cry or even scream every time you try to get the toothbrush near their mouth. Sometimes I simply give up and say “I’ll try tomorrow” …
However, properly caring for your child’s teeth is extremely important. So I’ve done a little research and put together this post with some tips to get your kids to brush their teeth.
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CHILDREN AND THEIR TEETH
Firstly I want to share some information around children’s oral health; this is from the Ministry of Health’s Annual Update of Key Results 2014/15: New Zealand Health Survey,
- Tooth decay is the most common disease of childhood
- Tooth decay is one of the three leading causes of potentially avoidable hospitalisations among children in New Zealand
- 29,000 children under the age of 14 have had one ore more teeth extracted because of tooth decay
To ensure your child’s teeth are properly cared for, along with daily brushing of your child’s teeth, it is also important to limit the amount of sugary and acidic snacks in between mealtimes.
Not only that, but make sure water is the main drink your child has. Water maintains hydration, and saliva flow to help neutralise bacteria.
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GETTING YOUR KIDS TO BRUSH THEIR TEETH
As a parent, it’s really important to guide your child when they are young and teach them how to brush their teeth properly. When they are a little older, you’ll also need to help with flossing too – especially the back teeth!
START YOUNG
The best time to start brushing your child’s teeth is when their first tooth comes through – not only is it good practice for yourself, and to keep the child’s teeth healthy; it also starts showing your child what brushing teeth feels like.
FUN TOOTHBRUSH
Letting your child pick out their own toothbrush makes them feel a part of the whole tooth brushing process from beginning to end; and there are some pretty amazing toothbrushes out there!
The Philips Sonicare for Kids Toothbrush is one of these. The Philips Sonicare for Kids Toothbrush includes a KidTimer that uses fun music to progressively teach kids the recommended 2 minute brushing time, making sure those pearly whites get the attention they deserve. Plus, the Philips Sonicare for Kids range comes with fun interchangeable stickers for customisation.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
I always find brushing my teeth before I brush my child’s teeth helps them to see what actually happens. I also make sure I talk about the process and explain why I’m brushing, and what the toothbrush’s purpose is. Sometimes I even let my kids brush my teeth.
DISTRACTION
Sometimes it’s all about distraction. As soon as you start brushing your child’s teeth, start talking about what you did during the day. Talk about everything that happened, including small details that your child will have to focus on, rather than fight the toothbrush.
STICKER CHART
Sometimes no matter what you do, your child will still be against brushing their teeth. Using a sticker chart is one way to encourage your child to do it. Simply reward the child with a sticker in the morning and at night after each brushing session.
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The Philips Sonicare technology means with each use, your child’s teeth are getting a deep clean. It’s gentle vibrations and dynamic side-to-side action helps ensure their teeth are properly cared for with each brush. Philips Sonicare for Kids toothbrushes have 31,000 brush movements per minute – which removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush (especially when the kids seem to have better things to do!)
The Philips Sonicare for Kids toothbrush is now available in selected Farmers, Noel Leeming, Harvey Norman and Heathcote Appliances stores for RRP $99.95.
A big thanks to Dr. Richard Lowe from Fraser Smith Lowe Dentists for some of these oral hygiene tips!
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