GIVEAWAY CLOSED. CONGRATS TO CLAIRE S!
First things first, let's tackle the challenges of getting young children to brush their teeth.
Young children often don't want their parents/caregivers to brush because they want to do it themselves. This is challenging because toddlers are often still developing their fine motor skills and not great with manual dexterity.
Many toddlers just chew on the toothbrush or try to eat the toothpaste instead of brushing their teeth. Young children may have sensitivities to the toothpaste flavor or a gag reflex when trying to brush their teeth, so being aware of those little discomforts might make a difference in their brushing routine.
We know it's a challenge, but just how early should parents institute teeth brushing with their kids?
Parents should start by cleaning gums and teeth as soon as the first tooth starts to come in. And even before brushing, parents should use xylitol-based swabs to clean the gums and new teeth to prevent future cavities.
It's very important to remove bacteria and sugar off teeth and gums, starting in infancy. Many people don't realize that there is sugar in both mother's milk and formula that can cause early tooth decay called ‘nursing decay' or ‘bottle decay'.
What's the best method for teaching a young child to brush his or her teeth?
Like most things in parenting, children will learn better from example. I find that children very often like to model the behavior of their parents or caregivers. I know that's true with Zoe, my two-year-old! I recommend showing your kids how you brush your own teeth, watching short clips on oral hygiene together or reading a book about teeth brushing together.
What are the must-haves for starting out teeth brushing for kids?
A soft-bristled toothbrush is always recommended at any age. I definitely believe in electric or battery operated toothbrushes starting at age two. It takes the guessing out of how aggressively to brush. Toothbrushes that light up or play music encourage older kids to brush for the recommended two minutes.
As for toothpaste, The Academy of Pediatrics changed the fluoride guideline recently and now recommends fluoride toothpaste at any age, even under age two.
Natural toothpastes, such as Tom's for Kids, are great for kids with many allergies or sensitivities. Mouthwash is a no-no until after age six.
What about flossing?
I advise parents in my practice that it is never too early to floss, especially when the child has tight contacts, meaning the teeth are all touching together. I highly recommend a flossing stick to make the process a little easier. That is what I use at home with my 2-year-old.
When is it safe to let kids brush their teeth unsupervised?
I recommend allowing kids to brush without supervision at age 7 if they seem ready. That is an age where their manual dexterity is typically improved to the point where most kids can effectively brush.
When should professional cleanings start for kids?
Professional dental visits to a certified pediatric dentist are recommended by the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry by age one or whenever the first tooth comes in, whichever is sooner. Those first visits are mostly to explain proper home treatment to parents and to conduct exams and screenings to detect abnormalities in the mouth that may need to be addressed, while cleanings will usually begin around 15 months.
If you have an anxious little one, I recommend having an upbeat, positive discussion about the visit. Or even take them to your dental visit to watch.
As always, children learn from you, so modeling that good dental behavior for your little ones is a good first step.
Need to get your little one to the dentist? Dr. Yum and Yummy Dental & Orthodontics for Kids has graciously provided us with a gift certificate for one Yummy Tots Wellness Package. The package is specifically designed for kids between 2 and 5 years old and includes a full examination of the child's mouth, cleaning & fluoride application, Yummy Cavity Prevention Plan and more. This package is valued at $266! Thanks, Dr. Yum!
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