Tips for Brushing provided by Dr. David Raphael
, Dr. Patricia Peirano
, and Dr. Jennifer Dole in Portland, OR at Portland Children's Dentistry
Tips for Brushing Portland, ORThere are so many things that kids are excited to do. Your child might get excited about reading a book, playing a game, or going to the park. There are also some things that kids just don’t want to do. One thing that many parents struggle with is getting their kids to brush their teeth. Most kids are not exactly excited by the idea of brushing and flossing. This can lead to a nightly battle. At Portland Children's Dentistry, we can help you to empower your child to care about their teeth so that they want to take good care of them.
Teach Them the Importance of Healthy Teeth
In empowering your child to care about their teeth, it is important to help them understand why having healthy teeth is so important. There are several ways to do this. There are plenty of books available. Take your child on a trip to the library and find some age-appropriate books. You can watch videos together.
Shop For the Right Tools
To brush and floss properly, your child needs the right tools. Instead of just picking up a children’s toothbrush for them, however, let your child choose. When your child can pick their toothbrush, they will be more motivated to use it.
Turn it into a Family Affair
Let’s face it, brushing is boring. You can help to make it more fun by brushing together as a family. As you brush together, you can show your child how to take good care of their teeth properly. While it might not always seem like it, your child pays close attention to the things that you do. When they see you brushing and flossing, they are more apt to do it, too.
Provide Plenty of Healthy Snacks
Stock your home with plenty of healthy snacks and let your child choose which ones they would like to eat. Foods like apples, carrots, and celery make excellent snacks. Not only are they filled with vitamins and minerals, but they also help to scrub their teeth while they chew. Cheese provides calcium and stimulates salivary flow.
Don’t Forget Pediatric Dental Visits!
In addition to everything that you do at home, we are also here to help. Routine dental visits every six months are important for your child’s oral health. Regular cleanings and exams are essential for keeping the teeth clean, preventing cavities and other issues. We are specially trained in providing the care that your child needs. During your child’s visit, we can help to provide them with more information about the importance of taking good care of their teeth. We can also provide you with extra information so that you can continue to help empower your child at home between visits.
When your child is empowered to care about their teeth, they are much more likely to brush and floss, which will help to keep their smile both healthy and beautiful. For more information, and to schedule an appointment for your child, call Portland Children's Dentistry at (503) 893-2889 today.
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