Are you? That’s right. Are you a good brusher? Do you consistently take two minutes to brush, twice a day? And floss at least once a day? Because your children are watching you brush and floss, and it’s going to have a big influence on how they take care of their own teeth.
It will become part of their routine because it’s part of yours
Hopefully, you started wiping your baby’s gums with a soft cloth before he or she ever sprouted that first tooth. And when she did, you introduced that first soft tooth brush so she could get used to it.
Because by about two years old, your toddler should be brushing her own teeth, with help and encouragement from you. And since you’ve created a routine for tooth care, the actual process can have lots of her input:
- Let your child shop for his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste, and make it an exciting experience.
- They can even choose colorful dental floss
“Your smile’s so bright, we gotta wear shades.”
While your engaged in the activities of tooth and gum care, talk to your child about how important their job is. Tell them what they’re doing to protect their teeth for eating all their favorite foods. Ask them if they notice that they are making their mouth taste yummy. And compliment them on the great job their doing making sure they have a bright, dazzling smile.
You set the example, so show them how it’s done
You know all those iconic paintings and photos of little boys watching their dads shave and mimicking their behavior? The same can work for dental care. Let your children watch you brush and floss – and you can even bring them to the dentist with you and let them observe.
We will support your efforts
When they visit the dentist for their own check-ups, you child will find a happy, relaxed environment. And they’ll get a big thanks for helping us do our job! Call for your child’s appointment today: (800) 717-KIDS.
