Often, it can be a struggle to get children to brush their teeth. Sometimes, they just don’t want to do it. Other times, they speed through and miss large areas in their mouths. Unfortunately, even though baby teeth aren’t permanent, neglecting to brush can still lead to serious problems. Infections in the mouth can spread throughout the body, causing health concerns, and if baby teeth fall out prematurely, orthodontic problems arise. To help you as you encourage your child to brush more often, try incorporating a customized tooth-brushing chart. Your Erlanger children’s dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry, shares a few tips for encouraging children to brush their teeth regularly and thoroughly.

Tooth Brushing 101: Class Is Now in Session

When teaching children to brush their teeth, be sure to stand behind them as they face the mirror. This position gives you a good vantage point from which to view their work. Teach them to brush in small circles, while angling the bristles of the brush down at a 45-degree angle toward their gums. Have them work on one or two teeth at a time and divide the brushing into three phases. Start with the outer surface of the teeth; then move to the inner surface; and finish with the biting, or top, surface.

Get Your Child’s Free Brushing Chart

A brushing chart is a fun way to remind kids to brush twice a day. The chart is broken into days and night and covers four weeks. Challenge your child to complete the chart, and offer a prize for successful completion. To get a copy of your child’s brushing chart, use the following link: http://www.loveyourteeth.net/. You will be prompted to enter your child’s name so that the chart can be customized. Then, print out the chart, and challenge your little one to the contest.

Schedule a Visit with Your Erlanger Children’s Dentist

In addition to proper homecare, your children should also attend dental visits once every six months. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar from areas they miss and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. To schedule an appointment with your Erlanger children’s dentist, call our 41018 dentist office at 859-344-8500. We serve patients from Erlanger, Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, and Taylor Mill.