We want our children to be independent and do things on their own, but sometimes that also means they don’t want to do things we ask of them, even if it’s for their benefit. Brushing and flossing teeth can be one of these struggles, a problem that can develop during their toddler or preschool years, for a variety of reasons that can be frustrating.
Getting children to start and maintain a routine of dental hygiene is vital for long-term health, and once they do it regularly, they should know how to do it right. Let’s go over the common challenges of getting kids started with brushing and flossing, and what you can do to manage them.
Newberg, Oregon, parents trying to make sure their children have healthy teeth have many challenges to deal with, and Dr. Kyle Kern and his dedicated staff are here to help you through them with a range of services.
The number of obstacles to getting children to brush and floss routinely varies with age groups. See if some of these sound familiar to you:
When enough teeth have grown in, and they need to start getting into harder-to-reach places with brushing and flossing, kids this age often become opinionated about doing it. Common reasons include a gag reflex and a dislike of toothbrushes reaching into their mouths.
Kids this age can become more selective about what goes into their mouths, making it frustrating to get them to brush and floss when they don’t want to.
The older kids get, the more preoccupied they can become with their developing personal lives. As kids approach puberty, it becomes easier to dismiss the need to do it if they have a lot on their minds and added responsibilities.
It’s best to help kids develop an interest in oral care when they’re toddlers, despite the challenges, as instilling the need becomes more difficult as they get older. At this point, you can use methods like:
Kids love to mimic things they see and hear, so if they see you brushing and flossing, they’re more likely to copy your actions.
To make the experience more memorable and interactive, props or little games can help encourage them to participate.
To help them understand why brushing and flossing are important, age-appropriate media can be very helpful. Check whether they have a favorite character with books or videos that teach oral care.
Kids have unique needs for developing teeth, and their toddler years are a great age to get them started with dental visits. We can help them develop better habits and understand why these habits are so important to maintain.
Letting them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste is another interactive tip to keep them engaged with the routine. Let them pick out what they want at the store, and let them try to do things on their own when they’re at home.
Kids love music, and whether you make up a song they like or find something they really like listening to, it can help make brushing and flossing seem more fun.
Oral health is important for everyone, and that starts with teaching your kids while overcoming the challenges they can present to brushing and flossing. For more helpful tips on getting kids more involved in their dental care, make an appointment with Dr. Kern and his team today.
