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Establishing Healthy Brushing Habits in Young Children

Establishing Healthy Brushing Habits in Young Children

Creating healthy habits for your child can be one of the most important lessons you give them. As parents, establishing brushing routines for children not only helps keep their teeth and gums healthy, but it also lays the groundwork for good oral hygiene habits to last a lifetime. Teaching proper brushing techniques to your children and helping them develop the skills to do it right is the best way to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy.

 

Good oral hygiene is an important part of overall health, but it can easily be overlooked. Especially when it comes to young children, it is important to start establishing brushing habits as early as possible. It can be a challenge to get your children to brush their teeth, as well as to help them do it correctly.

Here are some tips to help you create healthy brushing habits in young children.

 

Create a Positive Environment

 

Creating a positive and fun environment when brushing can help even the most reluctant child get in the mood to brush. Talk about the importance of brushing teeth, explain the process and make a game of it. Sing silly songs, brush your own teeth and encourage your child to copy you, or make brushing part of a daily bedtime routine and read a story about brushing teeth. Remember, the goal is to make brushing a fun and positive experience.

 

Use Correct Brushing Techniques

 

Making sure your child is using the correct brushing techniques is essential to ensure they are taking good care of their teeth. Teaching your child to brush in small, gentle circles and use a pea-size amount of toothpaste will help them brush effectively. Be sure to replace their toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles are worn out.

 

Set a Brushing Schedule

 

Creating a regular brushing routine will help your child build the habit of brushing their teeth. Introduce their oral hygiene routine at the same time each morning and night. Establish the order — brush, floss and then rinse — and emphasise what needs to be done each time. Setting a regular schedule will help your child know exactly when they need to brush, which can help make the habit last.

 

Lead by Example

 

Perhaps the best way to get children to develop healthy brushing habits is to show them. Set a good example by brushing your own teeth and make sure you brush your teeth at the same time your children do. Make sure it is a priority and show them that you value good oral hygiene by sticking to your own routine.

 

Reward Good Habits

 

Positive reinforcement is often a good motivator for children, so try rewarding your child for brushing their teeth regularly. The reward doesn’t have to be anything big — a star chart, sticker or even just a smile and a hug for brushing for two minutes twice a day will be enough to encourage them.

 

Creating healthy brushing habits in young children doesn’t happen overnight, but it will with patience and some perseverance. Establishing good oral hygiene habits at an early age is essential for their overall health and it pays off: healthy behaviours build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits.

 

At live-a-bit.com, our mission is to elevate the importance of oral care in India, grow oral care literacy and provide innovative products that have clean natural ingredients, make oral care less boring and are also good for the planet. We know that our job is complex but we believe that live-a-bit is well positioned to play an important and critical role to help improve dental health of 1.5 billion people in India.