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Getting kids to brush their teeth is an important part of their overall health. Like washing my face at the end of a long day or starting my day off with a shower, I don’t often think much about brushing my teeth. My parents instilled within me the importance of good oral hygiene, and to this day, I’ve yet to have a single cavity. Even my dentist is impressed! Unfortunately, my kids don’t share the same enthusiasm for brushing their teeth, so I’ve had to get creative in order to encourage them to make oral care a priority. Here’s what I’ve learned about getting kids to brush their teeth.
Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth is Importnat
They might not realize it yet, but getting kids to brush their teeth is an excellent health and cosmetic benefit to them in the long run. A bad mouth can cause all sorts of healthy and appearance issues.
Why should children brush their teeth?
One of the first things you often notice about a person is his/her smile. Brushing your teeth regularly can ensure your teeth look and feel healthy. But beyond aesthetics, there are important health reasons for getting kids to brush their teeth. The bacteria from food can cause plaque which eats away at tooth enamel and can cause cavities and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Even baby teeth can be affected by poor oral hygiene, and left untreated, can damage underlying permanent teeth. The health of your teeth can also reflect the health of your body. As we age, the bacteria from your mouth can spread to other parts of your body and increase the risk of heart attach, stroke, dementia, diabetes, respiratory disease and more.
How should children brush their teeth?
Children as young as infants benefit from proper oral care which can be as simple as cleaning the mouth with a soft cloth after feedings. Once you see that first tooth, it is time to start getting kids to brush their teeth. Children should brush twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush. Ideally, each tooth should be brushed including the front, sides and back, which takes about 2-3 minutes. As a supplement to brushing, children should floss and use a mouth rinse daily to prevent cavities.
How do I get my child to brush his/her teeth?
Getting my kids to brush their teeth twice a day is admittedly a challenge. I’ve heard everything from “I’m too tired,” to “I don’t like the taste of mint” as excuses for not wanting to brush teeth. Because oral care is so important as children’s permanent teeth begin to erupt, I’ve put together 5 Tips For Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth.
- Identify the reason. For my daughter, it was as simple as choosing a toothpaste flavor she enjoys. With my son, I have to ensure that we begin getting ready for bed (including brushing his teeth), before he is too tired.
- Give them choices. Every 3 months, when it’s time to change my kids’ toothbrushes, I let them choose their favorite color and/or character. I also let them pick out the flavor of toothpaste they want to use. My son prefers a Mint-flavored toothpaste while my daughter enjoys the Watermelon Fluoride-Free Toothpaste from Hello. Giving a child choices involves them in the process of oral hygiene which gets them excited about brushing teeth while making it personal.
- Use a timer. On their own, my kids would never brush their teeth for the recommended 2 minutes. Using a timer helps my children brush longer and more completely.
- Brush with your child. While children 6 and older can brush their teeth independently, they still require supervision to ensure they are brushing correctly. Brushing together as a family increases the likelihood that my children will brush their teeth without a struggle. It sets a healthy precedent that oral care is important and something we do every morning and night like taking a bath.
- Make it visual. Some kids benefit from an oral care chart where they can track and visualize their progress throughout the week. You can also use this chart to reward your child when he/she brushes teeth readily and consistently.
Hello Oral Care Products – The Secret Weapon to Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth
I find it interesting that the type of toothpaste we use had such an impact on whether or not my daughter wanted to brush her teeth. We’ve been using Hello’s line of natural oral care products and my kids have LOVED the toothpaste flavors. Fun and pleasant-tasting, Hello’s products also feature ingredients you can feel good about. Unlike conventional toothpaste, Hello aims to make a line of oral care products that is free from dyes, artificial sweeteners, triclosan, microbeads, and parabens. Their approval from the American Dental Association demonstrates the fact that a product can be clinically proven to be effective without the use of harsh ingredients. For example, their fluoride-free line is made with aloe vera and xylitol which remove plaque. Hello also has a line of toothbrushes made with 50% recycled materials and a line of breathsprays free from alcohol, dyes, artificial sweeteners and propellant. Their products make getting kids to brush their teeth easier on parents and kids, alike.
Hello cares about both your family and the environment your family lives in. The ingredients used in Hello Products are globally sourced, made in the USA, vegan, cruelty-free and free from animal testing. Their packaging also features 100% recycled paper and soy inks. In the interest of transparency, you can view information on ingredients and sourcing by visiting Hello-Products.com. Want to learn more about Hello? Skype with Hello’s CEO by visiting their website.
Hello Toothpaste and Oral Care Products are now available at Walmart stores nationwide. Visit their website to find a location near you. While you are on their website, you can also download a coupon for $2 off any Hello Toothpaste, which makes getting kids to brush their teeth more affordable as well as easier.
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