6 Ways to Make Brushing Toddler Teeth Fun and Healthy
Think those baby teeth aren't important because they aren't permanent? Think again! The AAPD will tell you that practicing good dental hygiene at an early age can have a significant difference in the future of your child's oral health. This means it's essential to develop healthy habits from the very start of your little one's life. While baby teeth may seem inconsequential to us now, they actually have the significant role of helping your child chew correctly, speak clearly, and holding space for the eventual eruption path of permanent teeth, affecting the appearance of your child's mouth and jawline. Sounds kind of important, right?!
According to the CDC, tooth decay is highly preventable, and yet "Cavities (also known as caries or tooth decay) are still one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood in the United States." Yikes! So, what can we do?
Introducing healthy dental practices at a young age is the first step in setting the tone for children to feel more at ease and less likely to find brushing and flossing as a chore to rebel against. Much like learning to dress themselves or help with simple tasks around the house, establishing positive-oral hygiene routines also creates a sense of confidence in your kiddo, enabling them to feel empowered by something they can do "all by themselves."
If you're ready to lessen the before bedtime battles and ensure a smoother path to preventing cavities - use our 6 tips below to keep your child's oral health on track!
1. Get Them Involved and Get Them Excited
Allowing your child to select a toothpaste (ADA approved, of course) and toothbrush of their choice gives them a sense of control and power, making brushing their teeth less about what they need to do and more about the excitement of doing it. Take, for example switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush. This was a game-changer for our 3-year-old son. He was instantly OBSESSED and really excited that he got to choose. We spent the entire first day making multiple trips to the bathroom so he could brush "just one more time."
2. Choose the Right Tool For the Job
It is important to get a brush built for kids like the BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush™ with a pediatric-sized brush head, designed specifically for developing mouths – and allowing for maximum comfort for your child (so they want to keep brushing!). The benefits of this "fun" brush go beyond the two-minute timer that tells you when to "stop and go" (think red light, green light with your kid's teeth!). It also comes in an advent-style box, making the unboxing itself an exciting event for them. Letting your child choose a favorite color (BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush™ currently comes in a bold blue, pink, or purple) can be an additional incentive!
3. Don't Forget the Floss!
The standard rule of thumb is to introduce flossing in a fun, non-frightening way once any two teeth touch. Much like adults, even if your child is brushing the recommended two times a day, for two minutes each time, bacteria can still linger between the teeth. That's why flossing is so important, but we know it can be a little scary too! Selecting a kids' flavored floss will help you and your child get into the groove and establish those healthy dental habits without the fuss and frustration of regular adult floss.
4. Prep, and Then Allow Curiosity to Take the Lead
Before you get started with any kind of oral care, make sure to explain what the toothbrush and floss will feel like – it may tickle a little or feel funny at first. Allow them to touch the bristles with their hand, and if they are able, practice flossing a few teeth with your supervision. Prepping your child on what to expect will help ease them into what brushing feels like and encourage their curiosity about learning more. Don't forget to make it silly and fun! Maybe the toothbrush has a name or even a special voice/password to get your child to - ooooopen wide! Remember, kids love games and anything that is specially created for them.
*Always supervise your child and help with brushing and flossing until you are sure they can perform these tasks SAFELY on their own.
5. Strategize with Your Child's Dentist (favorite characters help too)
Toddlers and young children will often debate their parents until blue in the face, only to readily believe another adult in the room with similar facts. If this is the case for your kiddo, have a chat with their dentist ahead of their next appointment and ask them to back you up! They can explain the tools they use and the benefits of regular brushing and flossing for your child's health without putting the pressure on you to convince them. Recruiting help from favorite characters and educational videos like this episode of Daniel Tiger, where Daniel gets his teeth cleaned, can also work wonders!
6. Schedule Regular Check-ups
Regular visits to the dentist (starting at the age of one, and recurring every six months) will help your child familiarize themselves with good oral hygiene and how to continue a positive dental routine at home! In between visits, remember to:
Help them floss between teeth that are touching with a kids' floss.
Brush at least twice a day, for two minutes at a time, with the right tool!
Children ages 3-6 should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure they are spitting this out and not swallowing – remember to help and supervise when needed!
Monitor the number of sugary drinks and snacks they are given/consuming.
