Oral Health Tips for Kids
Fun tips and tricks to get children brushing effectively
Try a toothbrush that has your kid's favorite character on it to really get him or her engaged in brushing. In addition to having a fun toothbrush, make sure it's the right one for your child's age and stage. When kids are four months to 24 months, they need a bigger brush with super soft bristles to cover a lot of surface area and massage their gums. As they get older, kids need a toothbrush that reaches everything; a great pick is Oral-B Stages because they're designed to develop with your kids as they grow.
A great way to get kids brushing for the recommended two minutes is by turning it into a game. The Disney Magic Timer App by Oral-B challenges kids to continue brushing until a Disney or Marvel character image is revealed on the screen after two minutes. An Oral-B brushing study says nine out of ten kids will brush longer using the app, and it is ranked the number one app by Apple in the age group six to eight -- it's the number one downloaded app in the age group as well. Get it for free from Google Play or Apple.
As soon as that first tooth pops up, you can start teaching kids to brush. When children reach two years old, they can apply a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Also, join your kids when they brush their teeth to set a good example, and supervise to make sure they are properly brushing teeth and brushing the tongue as well.
Take your child to the dentist before his or her first appointment to familiarize him or her with the routine. Have kids go with an older sibling or take them with you for your own appointment so that they can see it's not a scary place; that way, when it's their turn to go it will be a positive experience.
