A: Here are a few methods I generally encourage parents to try out. It might take extra effort (and time) at first. However, it will all be worth it when your child not only learns the importance of caring for their teeth but gets to enjoy great dental health for the rest of their lives.
Take turns
Children need help with daily toothbrushing until they have developed good dexterity and coordination. This means parents or a responsible adult should help their children with brushing until approximately 7 years old. As young children like to be involved, consider taking turns to brush teeth. This allows them to learn to take ownership of their dental health. They can also participate by choosing which toothpaste or which toothbrush to use that day! Make sure you always finish the job, ensuring all the hard to reach areas are thoroughly cleaned daily.
Leading by example
Children learn quickly from observation. Let your child watch you brush your teeth and how you spit out the toothpaste afterward. By showing him that brushing is part of your daily routine, he will slowly learn the importance of brushing regularly too.
(Top Tip: While watching you brush, let him pretend to be your dentist. He can help you brush or check your teeth for food scraps. He will have lots of fun and it can be a great way to prepare him for his first dental visit!)
Keep it fun and positive
It may be tempting to scare your child into brushing his teeth by telling him that “all his teeth will fall out” or that he will need to go to the dentist if he doesn’t brush. However, that may result in him associating toothbrushing with negative emotions or seeing the dentist as a punishment. Instead, keep it fun – Sing his favourite tunes or play a song while brushing. You can also put up a reward chart and let them earn stickers or small prizes for good brushing. Hugs count as prizes too!
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Dr Tabitha Chng is a Dental Specialist in Paedodontics (Children’s Dentistry) with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Paedodontics from University of Toronto, Canada. She is currently the only Paediatric dentist to be dually certified by both the American Board of Paediatric Dentistry and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Dr Chng loves to see children smile and constantly strives to create a safe and relaxed environment for kids to enjoy their visits.
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