5 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Teaching Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Share
Teaching Kids to Brush Their Teeth: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Teaching kids to brush their teeth is a crucial part of parenting, as it sets the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene. However, even with the best intentions, parents can sometimes make mistakes that hinder their child’s ability to develop proper brushing habits. Here are five common mistakes parents make when teaching kids to brush their teeth and how to avoid them.
1. Starting Too Late
Mistake: Many parents wait until their child has a full set of teeth before introducing brushing, thinking it's unnecessary for infants with just a few teeth.
Solution: Start brushing your child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Early introduction helps establish the habit and makes brushing a normal part of your child’s daily routine. Additionally, it helps prevent early childhood tooth decay which can occur even in young children.
2. Using the Wrong Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Mistake: Using an adult toothbrush or toothpaste can make brushing uncomfortable and ineffective for children.
Solution: Choose a children’s toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, designed specifically for kids. This ensures the brush can comfortably reach all areas of your child's mouth. Use a fluoride toothpaste suitable for their age. For children under three, use a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice; for children three and older, a pea-sized amount is sufficient.
3. Not Supervising or Helping
Mistake: Assuming that children can brush effectively on their own once they know the basics.
Solution: Children often lack the motor skills needed to brush thoroughly until about seven or eight years old. Supervise and assist your child’s brushing to ensure all surfaces of their teeth are properly cleaned. Let them start brushing to build independence but always finish up to guarantee a thorough clean.
4. Brushing for Too Short a Time
Mistake: Allowing children to brush for less than the recommended two minutes, often because they lose interest or rush through the process.
Solution: Use a timer or a fun toothbrushing app to ensure your child brushes for the full two minutes. Playing a two-minute song or using a sand timer can also help. Encouraging your child to brush along with the timer develops a sense of how long they should brush.
5. Turning Brushing into a Battle
Mistake: Forcing a child to brush their teeth can create a negative association with the activity, leading to resistance and frustration.
Solution: Make brushing fun and engaging rather than a chore. Allow your child to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste, turn brushing into a game, or tell stories to make it enjoyable. Positive reinforcement, such as praise or a reward chart, can motivate your child to brush without a struggle.
Conclusion
Teaching your child to brush their teeth properly is essential for their oral health, but avoiding these common mistakes can make the process smoother and more effective. Start early, use the right tools, supervise brushing, ensure they brush for the recommended time, and keep the experience positive and fun. By doing so, you’ll help your child develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
For parents in New Zealand, Dental Health Services NZ and community oral health clinics offer excellent resources and support to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums. Taking advantage of these local services can ensure your little ones get the best start on their oral health journey.
Happy brushing!