Parent should brush their children’s teeth until the child has enough manual dexterity to do a good job on their own. Our experience at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego CA is that age six or seven is about right.
When that day finally arrives, you want to be sure your youngster is, in fact, doing a good job. There are things you can do to help manage the learning curve.
Set the right example. Kids learn from observing, and they see just about everything. When they’re little, parents are their most important role model. Make sure they see you brushing your teeth (and flossing, too) and that they understand just how much importance you place on it.
Toothpaste isn’t everything. We recommend using a fluoridated toothpaste – one with the Americn Dental Association label on the tube. Fluoride helps to build strong teeth, but it’s not essential to use it every single time you brush. Sometimes kids just can’t stand the taste. If their rebel against brushing because they don’t like toothpaste, no matter how many different brands you try, don’t make it a deal-breaker. They’ll have to get used to it sooner or later. But when they’re young, the most important thing is to get them in the habit of brushing.
If getting them into a routine is difficult, try a rewards system. If they brush every day for a week, they get to stay up an extra half-hour on Friday night, or get an extra half-hour or so playing video games.
At Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego CA, we want to see all our young patients get started on the road to a lifetime of good dental health. Proper brushing every day is an essential first step! People from Hillcrest, Mission Hills, and Bankers Hill trust us with their children’s dental health care. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS:
619-295-4545
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103