Ever talked to your kids about how to keep teeth healthy? Every parent has been there.
Oral hygiene is very important, and teaching kids effectively can take some time. Parents are faced with many challenges and decisions along the road. Being able to answer questions such as “Are electric toothbrushes better?” is just part of the problem.
Many parents know brushing teeth is the bread and butter of preventative dental care, but it doesn’t make knowing what to do and how to help your kids adopt this healthy habit any easier. Before you jump to Googling “Family dentist near me” for direct advice, we invite you to read our guide.
When deciding if electric toothbrushes are better than standard toothbrushes, these nine tips can help you teach your kids to brush properly.
1. Choosing The Toothbrush: Standard vs. Electric Toothbrushes
The main difference between standard and electric toothbrushes is that electric ones have an internal mechanism to move the brush, facilitating healthy teeth and gums.
This is the easy way out of the problem, though. Providing your child with a proper skill set is far better than leaving a mechanism to do the job.
Once he masters the skill, introducing an electric toothbrush as a new gadget makes brushing teeth more fun.
2. Refresh Your Knowledge
Are you sure you know how to brush your teeth properly? Do not risk passing on knowledge that could cause major dentistry problems for your child. We have a short and sweet guide to refresh your own toothbrushing knowledge.
If you decide to introduce an electric toothbrush, make sure to watch video guides and read manuals before you give it to your kiddo.
3. Dental Care Sounds Dull, But Fun Doesn’t
If you introduce dental care as an obligation, chances are your kids will immediately become resistant. They may intentionally do a lousy job, brush too briefly, or make a nightly fuss.
Kids don’t have a sweet spot for obligations, but they have one for fun. Your best option is to turn oral hygiene into something entertaining. Your creativity is the limit. Turn it into storytelling, a game with rewards, or anything you want that motivates your child.
For example, turn introducing an electric toothbrush into a Sci-Fi adventure. Standard toothbrushes, on the other hand, come in different shapes or prints you can incorporate into a great story.
4. Be a Role Model Instead of a Teacher
Kids learn by watching, and they model their behavior on adults. Turn this to your advantage. Accompany your child for every brushing! Exhibit good oral hygiene to see it in your kid.
Instead of explaining by moving your kid’s hand with a toothbrush in it, show proper techniques by exhibiting them yourself.
Move slowly, and give a verbal explanation of what you are doing. Do this every time, and you will see your kid’s tooth brushing skills improve.
5. Assessing a “Family Dentist Near Me”
“Family dentists near me” is a convenient option, but you do not have to stick with the one literally closest to you. Make sure you find “dentistry for kids.”
Professionals that know how to work with kids will help them have healthy teeth and gums for years to come. They know the right approach to make dental visits easier for children. Additionally, many pediatric dentists will show your kids how to properly brush their teeth. Make sure you know what you’re looking for in a dentist for kids.
6. Be Gentle
When teaching your child proper toothbrushing techniques, you must be gentle. Otherwise, you risk startling her. Avoid relating anxiety and discomfort with anything to do with teeth.
Use an encouraging tone of voice. Save criticism for the “why didn’t you do your homework” period.
You know your kid best. If she is easily startled by new things, an electric toothbrush may be overwhelming. In this case, manual toothbrushes are a safer bet.
7. Consistency Is Key
Healthy teeth and gums are the result of consistent preventive dental care. Oral hygiene is only effective when practiced consistently. To teach your kids how to become a toothbrush Jedi, they have to train every day.
Your support backed up with consistency will help your kid build a healthy routine and stick to it — even without supervision.
8. Spice It Up With Flossing
If your child is easily bored, you can always look for ways to spice up oral hygiene practices. Introducing a new aspect can shift his interest back to the activity.
Your kiddo can benefit from flossing the moment his tooth surfaces are adjacent. Don’t worry; the added responsibility should not make things more complicated.
9. Make Preventive Dental Care a Family Effort
The best way to help kids learn faster and become more responsible is by making preventive dental care a family effort. Both parents should participate equally in teaching children how to brush their teeth properly.
When it comes to dentistry visits, consider switching to a family dentist. Consistently going to one dentist helps develop trust and comfort. Plus, a family dentist can save you a lot of time.
Ready to Brush?
Starting preventive dental care in childhood is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Are electric toothbrushes better? Not necessarily, but neither are manual ones. Every child has unique personality traits. Some might prefer manual toothbrushes, while electric toothbrushes hold greater appeal for tech-savvy kiddos. Regardless of which toothbrush your child uses, you are the most important factor for good dental habits.
Ready to start seeing a family dentist? Call Dean Dental Solutions at (501)771-2911 or visit us online!
Very good info. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident (stumbleupon).
I have bookmarked it for later!