How to brush children’s teeth without blisters?
Toothbrushing for babies and children can be challenging. Between crankiness, sloth or simple fatigue, this moment does not always come with smiles.
But the first few years of life are the ideal time to create long-lasting oral hygiene habits, and it is up to parents to ensure that brushing happens effectively, safely, and regularly.
With this article you will understand how to turn the task of toothbrushing into a moment of connection and even fun. A clue? It all starts with example and following the guidelines of your oral health professional.
Contents approached
Have you ever heard of the mirror effect? It doesn’t fool, know why!
Believing too much in the look at what I say and not looking at what I do can be the first problem when it comes to instilling good oral hygiene habits in babies and children.
Young children learn by imitation. If every day you see parents brushing your teeth naturally, without haste or bad face, it becomes normal and fun.
The question is, where to start? The first step is to brush your teeth in front of them. Why not let them see, experiment, even play with the brush.
Yes, they’re going to drool their sweater.
Yes, they will swallow pasta at first.
But that’s part of the process.
Trust the process!
Less sermon, more explanation when brushing teeth
It is essential to explain why we brush our teeth, but without exaggeration. Do not step on foot together and with a series of frightening arguments.
Avoid saying “you’re going to lose your teeth” or “yours are going to rot everyone”, it’s generating fear and this prevents good habits.
Prefer a good story with the right characters: the little animals that appear and sleep in our mouths, the cleaning teams that use toothbrushes and dental floss as weapons, the hero who flies in the toothbrush, who gains wings with toothpaste and is the best weapon of any story.
Who should brush the teeth of babies and children?
Parents. Always. At least until age 8 or 9.
If the child still can not tie the attackers of the shoes alone, it is a sign that he has not yet developed the dexterity necessary to properly brush his teeth. Brushing requires coordination and fine motor skills, something that takes time to develop.
But what about autonomy?
This can (and should) be respected! The child can hold the toothbrush, apply toothpaste (with help), and do their part. However, complete and effective brushing should be done by the parents, either before or after the child’s attempt. This approach respects the child’s desire for autonomy without compromising the effectiveness of oral hygiene.
❗ Very important:
Parents should always measure paste, the amount and concentration of fluorine must be evaluated with the support of a hygienist or dentist, depending on age, whether the child can cough and cheeks after brushing.
Let’s play toothbrushing? See how fun it is!
Avoid the phone or tablet as a distraction during brushing, as it removes awareness of toothbrushing.
That it seems to him to put a funny song, chronometers, use brushes with light, favorite characters, or even the exchange of rewards. You can even start with a brush hunt before the whole process.
When toothbrushing is seen as a playful moment, the conflict disappears.
What was a punishment becomes routine. And routine and consistency are the secret, don’t tell it to the younger ones.
So you already know, don’t give up on the first one I don’t want, reinvent the strategy.
Always remember that brushing should start immediately with the appearance of the first tooth, at the same time you should schedule your first visit to the dentist.
There is a toothbrushing that is sacred: the night!
If the day is difficult, dinner is late or the child falls asleep on the couch, still…
do not stop brushing your teeth. Activate lightning mode.
Letting the child sleep with food leftovers in his mouth is inviting bacteria to a pajama party.
And this party, unfortunately, often ends badly.
Paciência, consistência e confiança!
Instilling in children the habit of toothbrushing requires time, insistence, many repetitions, and perhaps some headaches.
But the reward pays off:
- fewer visits to the dentist for pain;
- less fear in the future;
- more autonomy.
Above all, it is giving them more than healthy teeth, that is, a habit of taking care of their own body.
And that… is worth much more than a new brush with dolls in the package.
Along this path, don’t forget the need for follow-up with a dentist, who will be an ally in this mission. According to the Portuguese Dental Association (OMD), the first visit to the dentist should take place by the age of two, even if there are no complaints. This serves to create familiarity, reinforce habits, and prevent future fears..
Schedule your appointment here!
You may be interested in:
Tooth removal included: when should it be treated and which signs should not be ignored
Pain, pressure or inflammation can be signs of a single tooth. Know when even tooth removal is necessary and how oral surgery has evolved in recent years.
Child broke tooth: what to do immediately?
Child left tooth what to do? See how to act in the first minutes, when it is urgent and where to treat in Vila Franca de Xira, just 20m from Lisbon.