Teaching Your Children Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene can help your children avoid painful cavities. Edison, NJ, family dentists, Drs. Saul and David Frechtman, of Frechtman Family Dental of Edison share a few tips that will help make brushing a positive experience for your child.

Explain why brushing is so important

Your children may know that you expect them to brush their teeth in the morning and evening, but might not understand why brushing is important. If you attempt an in-depth explanation of the dangers of plaque, you'll quickly lose your kids' interest. Instead, use terms that kids can understand.

They may not be impressed by plaque, but when you explain that failing to brush regularly leaves germs on their teeth, they may   understand why you're so insistent that they keep their teeth sparkling clean.

Teeth kids the basics

Teach your kids to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle when they brush and gently move the brush back and forth on one tooth before moving on to the next. Choose soft-bristled kids' size brushes to make brushing a more pleasant experience for your children. Visual aids are always a good choice when teaching children oral hygiene. Buy some plaque disclosing tablets at an Edison drugstore and encourage your child to chew one after brushing. Every spot your child missed will turn red, making it very clear why thorough brushing is so important.

Everything's better with music

Two minutes is the recommended length of time for brushing teeth, but that can seem like an eternity to kids. Make the time pass quickly by playing a little music while your children brush, or buy brushes that not only play a favorite tune but also light up when your kids brush.

Get sneaky

It's a good idea to check up on older children from time to time. Paying a surprise visit to the bathroom can yield surprising information. Occasionally, kids have been known to simply wet their brushes and put them back in the stand when they don't feel like brushing. Your visit can help ensure that they don't become lazy about brushing their teeth.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental exams will help your child avoid cavities. When it's time for your child's next appointment, call Edison, NJ, family dentists, Drs. Saul and David Frechtman, of Frechtman Family Dental of Edison at (732) 548-8600.