by Michelle from Tennessee
As parents and caregivers of children, we are responsible for a lot. Serving nutritious meals and snacks, discipline, and trying to have a good schedule are just a few of the many things we do daily. We can’t forget that we also help our kids develop daily habits that are beneficial for them. Let’s talk dental care.
Did you know that teeth are in danger of getting cavities as soon as they come through the gums? This happens starting at around age 4 to 6 months, up to 12 months. Since cavities and tooth decay are chronic issues in childhood, it’s good to know that cavities can be prevented. Here are some suggestions of what we did to help keep our children’s teeth healthy.
Start young
Silicone sleeves that slip on your finger are perfect for cleaning your infant’s gums. No toothpaste is needed, just a little water. This introduces your baby to an object in their mouth, cleaning their gums. When they get teeth, get an infant toothbrush and brush away!
Pick out their own tools
When old enough, allow kids to pick out their own toothbrush and children’s toothpaste. There are so many great options for everyone. If on a budget, dollar stores always have a great assortment of colors, characters, and child age appropriate toothpastes. This is always a hit and I find my kids are more likely to brush when they get to pick their own.
Make it fun
Did you know we are supposed to brush our teeth for two minutes? Two minutes! I don’t know about you, but that is a long time for my little bundles of never ending energy! To make time pass, find a good song to sing. YouTube boasts some great tunes that correlate with toothbrushing. My favorites are “I’m a pink toothbrush, you’re a blue toothbrush”, “Brush your teeth”, and “The brushing song.” I promise your kids will love it, and you will find that two minutes doesn’t seem so long! And who knows, you may find that you had a talent you didn’t even know you had!
Set a good example
Young children learn by copying us. Let them see you brush your teeth. This is a win win situation.... you set a good example and you have healthy teeth and gums. Score!
Don’t give up!
Routines don’t happen overnight. My kids are all different. Where singing works for one, it doesn’t work for another. Find what works for you and try different things. Processes take weeks and even months to build a habit. Don’t stress out though. Make it fun and remember, don’t give up! You’ve got this!
This blog was written by one of our guest bloggers, Michelle.
About Michelle
I am a wife and a mom to 5 spunky and energetic kids, ages 13, 11, 6 (twins!) and 3. We live in Elizabethton, in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Tennessee. I have been a Social Worker for 24 years and love the Tennessee Titans!
Want more information on brushing your child's teeth? wichealth.org has a free online lesson called Two Minutes Twice A Day For A Healthy Smile. Find it on wichealth.org in the Children 1-5 category!
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