Protect Those Pearly Whites: 3 Ways To Help Your Kids Learn Proper Dental Hygiene
When it comes to getting kids to brush their teeth, it can be like pulling teeth – figuratively. Your version of brushing their teeth might be completely different from their version. So how do you get your young children on the same page when it comes to proper dental hygiene? Here are three simple tricks that will help you teach your children the proper way to care for their teeth.
Set the Timer
If you're like most people, you don't spend enough time brushing your teeth. That means that your kids probably don't either. Most dentists recommend that you should spend at least 2 minutes brushing your teeth. However, some are recommending that you spend about 3 minutes on them. But how much time do you spend on each area of your mouth? That's where a timer comes in.
If you're going to be teaching your kids to brush for 2 minutes, set the timer for 30-second increments. Have them brush each quadrant of their mouth for 30 seconds each. If you're going to go for the 3-minute brush time, set the timer for 1 ½ minute increments. Have them brush their top teeth for the first 1 ½ minutes and switch to the bottom when the timer goes off.
Bring on the Gross-Factor
If your kids are old enough to appreciate the gross-factor, bring it on. This is where you bring on pictures of gum disease, and plaque. Help them do an internet search about the dangers of ignoring their teeth. Once they've done a complete investigation, introduce them to the chewable plaque indicators. Those are the tablets that turn your teeth different colors wherever plaque is present on the teeth. The discoloration will help your kids identify where the disease-causing plaque is hiding on their teeth.
Line Things Up for Them
Kids don't always remember the order of things. That's where it helps to keep things lined up in order of use. When your kids are learning how to brush, floss and rinse their teeth, be sure they know what comes first. Place a small shelf near the bathroom sink. This is where you'll store their dental hygiene equipment. Set the toothbrush down first, followed by the dental floss. Finally, set the mouth rinse down on the end. This will help your kids learn the proper order of dental hygiene.
It can be tough to get kids to take care of their teeth. That's why they need you to lead by example. The tips provided here will help your kids learn the proper way to care for their teeth. For maximum protection, be sure they see their dentist at least twice a year. Contact a clinic like Dino Kids DDS for more info.