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His Articles

Let’s Brush!

Teaching your child to brush is a task that many parents have dreaded at one time or another. Having your child brush, however, is extremely important because it establishes good oral habits that last a lifetime. The key to establishing good brushing habits is starting an oral care program early. In fact, it is suggested that you clean your baby’s mouth the first few days after birth. After each meal take a wet washcloth and wipe your baby’s gums. This accomplishes three things –

-	It removes plaque that accumulates on the gums
-	It gets your child accustomed to having a clean plaque free mouth
-	It gets your child accustomed to you “meddling” in their mouth

When teeth appear, use a cotton swab daily to gently wipe the teeth and remove plaque. Parents are responsible for making sure their children’s teeth are clean until the child reaches five to six years of age. This is because, on average, younger children do not have the manual dexterity required to brush teeth effectively. Why should you go to great lengths to brush your child’s teeth? The most important reason is that tooth decay occurs faster in children than in adults. By brushing your child’s teeth, you remove the plaque bacteria, which are responsible for this tooth decay.

Another reason to help your child learn to brush is that this helps them develop a crucial habit, which will last a lifetime. The key to getting your child to brush is to make it fun. Make it seem as if brushing is a fun thing to do rather than a chore, which must be done. One method that is fun and effective is allowing your children to brush your teeth. You should laugh a lot and make it a fun activity. Remember, everybody should use his or her own toothbrush and replace it promptly when it wears out (about 3 months). Store it in a place where it will dry quickly and won’t touch other brushes. After an illness has your child got a new toothbrush? Toothbrushes harboring bacteria that keep re-infecting your child may cause colds that persist all winter. Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste and make sure your children understand that toothpaste is not a food or a treat and it should not be swallowed. Make sure that your child gets in the habit of spitting out the toothpaste. Your enthusiasm is contagious! If you are enthusiastic about the activity, your children will be enthusiastic. Children are great emulators. They tend to want to do things that their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow.

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