Brushing: The Ultimate Battle
Most moms have been there... The before bedtime big brushing battle. Some kids may be very compliant while others are fighting like their lives depend on it. If that toothbrush touches their lips then the world just might end. And man, some kids can put up a serious fight! Trust me, I know. Many of these kids have sat fighting right in my chair while their parents say, “What am I supposed to do?!”
You know you need to get their teeth clean but you need to pick your battles. Well, this is a battle worth fighting. Your child’s oral health will effect their overall health, their perspective of the dental office, your time, and your money. However, maybe we can find a way for it to NOT be a battle...
- Wipe the gums with a wet cloth after each feeding from birth. You never know when that first tooth will pop through and you want to keep the gums clean incase you miss it!
- The most important thing to do is make teeth-brushing a normal routine in their day when that first tooth appears.
- Make it fun the same way you would with baby spoons during dinner.
- Some moms have said that brushing after the bath makes it easier because they are wrapped up in their towel still, restraining all limbs.
- Sit baby on your lap, facing and straddling you while wrapping one arm around him and gently hold his chin, use your other hand to brush. He is much easier to work with. Especially when I make train sounds while doing it! Since the front of his body is facing you he isn’t able to move as much.
- You could use a two person “knee to knee” technique we use in the office. One parent sits on the chair (I have used my rocking chair in my sons nursery) with your child straddling you. Lay them back with their head placed in the other parents lap. Then you have easier access to brush from above.
- Most kids like to imitate. Brushing your own teeth in front of them regularly may help. Or let your child brush your teeth first and then brush theirs. Sometimes I let my patients do this to me and they crack up.
- Create the idea that toothbrushes are fun. Let the tooth brush be a toy, and let them brush teddy’s teeth.
- We recommend waiting until a child can write in cursive to brush on their own. Thats when they can demonstrate the dexterity to move the toothbrush properly.
- Give them a visual timer, something to be interested in while brushing. Many times they are just bored. In my office we give out colorful sand timers (2 minutes) some kids really love watching all the sand pour through and will brush the entire time.
- Bringing music into the bathroom will make it more fun and you could even turn it into a game.
- Put together a chart to track their progress with a goal or prize (suited to their age) when they are consistent.
- Education. Show them pictures of what happens when they don’t brush. ie: gum disease, cavities.
- Go to the experts. At your child’s next dental visit (which needs to be scheduled every 6 months) mention to the hygienist or dentist that you are struggling at home. It might be a good idea to mention it out of ear shot of your child. If they hear you telling us to tell them, the tend to think we are just trying to help you- not them.
There are a million different ways to get the job done, just like everything else you do as a parent. There isn’t a right way. What have you experienced? Do you have any tricks or struggles you can share?
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