How can I teach my child to brush their teeth properly?
November 13, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Benjamin Meier
Dear pediatrician,
I am reaching out to you because I am concerned about the dental health of my child. My son, Max, is four years old and has been having difficulties brushing his teeth properly. I have already shown him how to hold the toothbrush correctly and how to use the right brushing technique, but somehow it doesn't seem to be working.
Max often only brushes his teeth quickly and superficially, and he often forgets the back molars. I am worried that he might develop cavities or other problems with his teeth as a result. I have also tried to teach him the importance of thorough teeth brushing in a playful way, but it doesn't seem to be very effective.
I am wondering if there are any special tips or tricks on how I can teach my child to brush his teeth properly. Are there specific methods or tools that can make dental care easier for children? How can I motivate Max to brush his teeth more thoroughly and have fun while doing it?
I would greatly appreciate your advice and support in helping Max develop a good dental care routine and ensuring his dental health in the long term.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Robert Hinze
Dear Robert Hinze,
Thank you for your message and I understand your concerns about the dental health of your son Max. It is important for children to learn from an early age how important proper dental care is in order to avoid cavities and other issues. Therefore, I would like to give you some tips and tricks on how you can support Max in brushing his teeth properly.
First of all, it is important that you as parents set a good example by regularly and thoroughly brushing your own teeth. Children learn best through imitation, so it is important that Max can watch you brushing your teeth and see how it is done correctly.
It may also be helpful to use a special children's toothbrush and child-friendly toothpaste, which can make the brushing process more interesting and enjoyable for Max. There are also electric toothbrushes for children that can make brushing easier and more effective.
To motivate Max to brush his teeth more thoroughly, you can also incorporate playful elements into the dental care routine. For example, you could use a sand timer to measure the time Max takes to brush his teeth, or introduce a reward system where he gets a small reward after each successful brushing session.
It may also be helpful to make brushing teeth a regular part of the daily routine, for example after breakfast and before bedtime. This way, Max will see brushing teeth as a routine and it will become part of his daily life.
If Max is still having difficulty brushing his teeth properly, you may also consider visiting a children's dentist together with him. A children's dentist can explain the importance of dental care to Max in a playful way and show him how to brush his teeth correctly.
I hope these tips help you and you can support Max in developing a good dental care routine. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Benjamin Meier
