When your child is out of their infancy stage and wanting to do things their own way, things like brushing teeth can be the last activity they want to do. It makes sense. Toddlers are becoming more aware of their own autonomy. However, they might not always get all their teeth, especially those molars in the back, but they don’t want you to help either. Below are some toddler brushing tips we’ve found to be helpful here at Children’s Dentistry of Cherry Creek.
Toddler Brushing Tip 1: Start Early
Dentistry for children doesn’t start when they get their first tooth. It begins well before that. Babies have unique needs parents must meet to set them up for success when their teeth arrive. Before the first tooth emerges, you can keep their gums clean. Bacteria accumulate in the mouth even when there are no teeth to attach to. This means you should be removing them. Using a damp washcloth over your baby’s gums helps with this and alleviates soreness from teething.
Toddler Brushing Tip 2: Establish Routines
It’s important for your child to have consistency in keeping up with their oral health. That falls back on parents to enforce. As difficult as it can be, it’s important for your child to see and establish daily habits. We recommend brushing twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime. It is always good to announce the transition to them. Eventually, brushing will become a part of their daily routine. They will see it as one of the many steps for getting ready in the morning and evening.
As your child grows, they will also take note of you and your own habits. That is why it’s so important for you to keep up with the same routines you want them to follow too. Some parents even report it helping when they brush with their child. Remember that you are the most important person in their life, and a shining example of how to act. If they see your brushing twice a day, it will help them understand how important brushing really is.
Toddler Brushing Tip 3: Make it Positive
This is something you may spend most of their life attempting, but we guarantee it’s worth it. Approximately 1 in 10 adults is very afraid of the dentist. For many, this fear comes from a bad experience as a child. Make caring for children’s teeth a positive experience to combat this fear early on. That’s why we suggest you make it as much fun as possible. Find a toothbrush with your child’s favorite cartoon character, flavored toothpaste, etc. All of this matters, as it can ease their anxiety and even help them look forward to brushing. Likewise, there are plenty of brushing videos available on YouTube now that feature popular characters, catchy songs, and more. Most of them are timed to 2:30 so that you can also know when your child is done brushing.
Schedule an Appointment
At Children’s Dentistry of Cherry Creek, we know how important your child’s dental hygiene is. That’s why we are committed to helping you and your child every step of the way. Schedule an appointment today and help them keep that smile shining bright!