| Sometimes the only thing more
difficult than getting kids to clean their teeth properly
is getting them to clean them at all.
But parents have to meet the challenge,
because by getting used to oral hygiene early kids can
establish lifelong healthy habits and get comfortable with
dental practices, which could make their first dental
checkups more productive and maybe even enjoyable.
Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey
offers the following tips for getting reluctant kids to
open up and say "oral health":
- Trade places: Tired of
prying your way in every time it's time to brush the
tot's teeth? Why not reverse roles and let the child
brush yours? Then you can laugh a lot and show how much
fun it is to be pampered.
- Show how shiny: Make sure
the kids see you brushing your own teeth, then make a
point of showing off your shiny clean teeth. Ham it up,
make it seem like a treat and privilege to have a shiny
smile. And, encourage your kids to show off their own
smiles once their teeth are clean.
- Take turns: Set an egg
timer or other alarm and have kids brush their teeth on
their own for 30 seconds. Then you brush their teeth for
30 seconds. Repeat this at least twice, or go as long as
the kids will tolerate. When brushing at bedtime, it's
important that you have the last go at it. Saliva
production slows down during the sleep cycle and can't
wash away as much plaque. So it's important to make
teeth as plaque-free as possible before going to sleep.
- Call in reinforcements: If
older children stubbornly neglect to brush or floss and
repeated reminders fall on seemingly uninterested ears,
maybe it's time to change the messenger. Call the dental
office before the children's next checkup, and let the
dentist know what's going on. The same motivational
message might be heeded if it comes from a third party.
When brushing, it is best to hold
the toothbrush against the gum line at an angle and with a
light grasp. Plaque is soft and better removed by thorough
but light brushing than by vigorous scrubbing, which can
cause unwanted wear on teeth. Children's teeth and gums
can be sensitive, too, so a gentle touch will make them
more comfortable. |
