How can I teach my child to brush their teeth properly?
September 12, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by David Schmitt
Dear Doctor,
My name is Ben Czakaj and I have a question regarding dental care for my child. My son is 4 years old and I am worried because he often does not brush his teeth properly. He does use a toothbrush, but I feel like he is not brushing thoroughly enough and this could lead to cavities.
I have tried to show him the correct brushing technique and explained to him how important it is to clean his teeth properly. I also bought him a children's toothbrush with a soft bristle and child-friendly design to motivate him. However, he doesn't seem to be very interested and finds it difficult to establish the routine of brushing his teeth.
I am very concerned about the health of his teeth and I want to make sure that he brushes his teeth properly. Are there any special tips or tricks that I can use to encourage my child to brush his teeth and teach him the importance of dental care? Are there any specific products or aids that could make dental care more appealing for children? I would be very grateful for your advice and recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Ben Czakaj
Dear Ben Czakaj,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. It is understandable that you are concerned about your son's dental care, as proper oral hygiene is of great importance for the health of his teeth. It is important for children to learn early on how to brush their teeth correctly to prevent cavities and other dental problems.
It is commendable that you have already tried to show your son the right brushing technique and explain the importance of dental care to him. However, it is not uncommon for children of this age to have difficulties establishing the routine of brushing their teeth. Here are some tips and tricks that can help make brushing teeth more appealing for your child and help him understand the importance of dental care:
1. Make brushing teeth a shared ritual: Brush your teeth together with your son to set an example and motivate him. You can also sing fun songs or use a sand timer to measure the time your son should brush his teeth.
2. Reward your child: Create a reward chart and reward him every time he brushes his teeth thoroughly. This can help create positive associations with brushing teeth.
3. Use child-friendly dental care products: In addition to a soft children's toothbrush, you can also use child-friendly toothpaste with a mild flavor to make brushing teeth more pleasant for your child.
4. Tell stories about teeth: Playfully explain to your son why it is important to brush his teeth and what consequences it can have if he doesn't. Use books or videos that convey the topic of dental care in a child-friendly manner.
5. Regular dental check-ups: Take your child to the dentist regularly to emphasize the importance of dental health and to detect any problems early on.
I hope these tips help you and that you succeed in conveying the importance of dental care to your son. If you have any further questions or need more advice, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
David Schmitt
