Every time you try to brush your child’s teeth, your child screams, struggles and cries? Try this dentist-approved method.
Many parents give up when their child refuses to brush their teeth. However, it would never occur to us to not clean their nose, ears, bottom or even hair. “Oral hygiene is part of personal hygiene. Just because teeth are inside the mouth doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken care of. Oral hygiene should start as soon as the first baby tooth comes out. The tooth should be cleaned using a small silicone finger cot or an extra soft toothbrush. It is important to get into the habit of cleaning them morning and evening at the same time as the rest of the body.”immediately asks Dr. Jona Andersen, a pediatric dentist in Paris.
In France, the first visit to the dentist is reimbursed at the age of three. However, according to our expert, it is too late. From the child’s first year, the dentist can check that oral hygiene is established, that brushing is effective and that sucking habits are not too bad. “The doctor will also make sure that there is no breastfeeding or bottle feeding at bedtime at night without effective brushing afterwards, because lactose is a sugary intake that stagnates all night in the mouth.”adds the specialist.
The key to getting a child to accept brushing their teeth is to make it fun and enjoyable. “In addition to electric toothbrushes which are very practical, there are several applications to increase your child’s cooperation (Pokemon Smile, The Happy Kids Tribe)”informs Dr. Jona Andersen. The pediatric dentist also recommends the use of brushing calendars that are available on different toothpaste brand websites.
The principle? The child checks off each time they brush their teeth and is entitled to a reward. To motivate them, you can also make them listen to songs that last the length of brushing, let them choose the toothpaste they like, show them educational videos or talk to them about the microbes that attack teeth by putting yourself at their level. “Finally, parental supervision is mandatory until the age of 8-10 years, because the child does not have the motor skills necessary to brush his teeth alone”recalls our expert.