Even with cleanliness, as a parent, you must choose your battles with your child. If your child dislikes brushing their hair, you can negotiate a shorter cut. If they insist on continuing to wear their ripped-off jeans, you can chalk it up to their unique sense of style and move on.

What are you unwilling to compromise on? Teeth brushing And not just because clean, healthy teeth may help you avoid costly orthodontic care when your children are older (although that is a benefit too), but because good oral hygiene is essential for overall health. Some experts believe that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease may be able to enter the bloodstream, which could harm heart health.

If your child continues to fight about when to brush their teeth or refuses to accept responsibility for this habit, it’s time to assist them in achieving a healthy, sparkling mouth. How do you plan to transport them there? It involves a series of steps. How to get started:

 

Engage Them

 Most children view brushing their teeth as a complete waste of time; it’s tedious, their teeth don’t appear dirty, and who cares what happens to their baby teeth, anyway?

 

Well, your child should be concerned; baby teeth are important! According to a General Dentist, they provide space for the adult teeth that will eventually erupt; premature tooth decay can lead to crowding and other issues. On the other hand, your child is unaware of any of this, so you should educate them on the importance of brushing their teeth twice daily.

Here are some basic strategies you can use whenever your child resists taking care of their teeth.

 

• Brush your teeth with your child every morning and night: Children enjoy imitating the actions of adults.
• Respond to their desires: If your child only desires bubble gum-flavored toothpaste, refrain from using mint. That is acceptable if they like to try an electric toothbrush. Whatever gets them brushin’.
• Experiment on cavities: It may be helpful to show your child what happens to their teeth when eating and not brushing. This is because many children learn best through visual examples.
• Provide many options: Ask your child if they prefer to brush their teeth before or after getting dressed in the morning, as opposed to mandating a specific time. This empowers them without releasing them from responsibility.
• Imaginative play: Give young children a toothbrush from a dollar store and encourage them to play dentist with their favorite dolls and stuffed animals. See if they can explain why brushing is vital to their toys; teaching often reinforces learning.

Please remind your child to wash hands several times a day to remove germs, so we don’t get sick and that we brush our teeth for the same reason.

Take turns. Allow your child to brush their teeth before it’s her turn. Children under six lack the necessary motor skills to brush their teeth effectively, so an adult must perform this task. However, allowing them to do it first helps them learn and practice.

Develop an Independent Routine

Kids are often forgetful, but they are also creatures of habit (just like adults!). The easiest way to help your child incorporate oral hygiene into their daily routine is to link it to other activities they do without thinking about:

• Getting dressed or undressed.
• Getting into or out of shower.
• Eating breakfast or dessert.

Even if you believe your child has successfully assumed responsibility on their own, you cannot let go completely. Ask your child if they remember to brush their teeth twice daily and if they noticed any changes to their teeth and gums, such as sensitivity or pain.

Depending on the child, you may need to inspect their mouth to ensure they’re brushing sufficiently (or even their breath to ensure it’s not too offensive!). Even if your child is keeping up with their part of the deal, you are still responsible for their oral health for the time being, so you will need to keep making sure they use the correct technique.