When it comes to oral health the most important thing to consider is preventative care. Like wearing sunscreen in the summer, taking care of your teeth in advance prevents problems in the future. That is why it is recommended that kids, teens, and adults see a dentist at least twice a year. On a daily basis, people need to brush and floss their teeth every single day. This can be difficult depending on your kid’s age. Obviously, when kids are very young, parents handle brushing their teeth. However, there can be challenges when it comes to transitioning to having your kids brush their own teeth and making sure older kids and teenagers take care of their teeth on a daily basis. First and foremost, one of the best ways to protect your children’s teeth is with routine dental visits. If you need to schedule a kid or teenage dental cleaning in Chicago, please contact our office. Here are some age guides on how to encourage your children to brush and floss their teeth.
It is recommended that parents brush their kid’s teeth until their children are between 6 to 9 years old. For those first few years, it is the parents’ responsibility to brush and floss their children’s teeth. As your kids get older you can start explaining what you are doing and help them understand the importance of brushing and flossing. Transitioning to having your kids brush their teeth requires them to have the dexterity to properly hold their toothbrush and effectively brush their teeth. Additionally, they need to be mature enough to understand the importance of brushing their teeth as well as the technique they need to use.
A key to transitioning the responsibility of brushing and flossing is to do it slowly. Children often look forward to stages of growing up especially when it comes to getting new milestones. As you transition from brushing their teeth for them, you should monitor them for a few months as they brush their teeth. Give them pointers, demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques, and of course, encourage them. A common strategy for parents who are teaching their children about routine habits is to get a calendar and stickers so kids can mark their progress.
As kids get older it is important to not condescend towards them. Strategies that might have been fun and encouraging when they were young might feel embarrassed or like they are being talked down to when they are older. When kids are younger it is great to brush and floss with them and have fun doing it. As kids become teenagers they will more likely want their own space as they go through their morning or night routines. It is important that you remain encouraging and that you have transparent conversations with your teens. They should be at an age where they understand why it is important to brush and floss their teeth.
All Star Dental provides dental checkups and cleanings for kids and teens of all ages. If you need to make a dental appointment for anyone in your family, please give us a call. We would be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
