As your kids grow, many questions may arise when you begin to think about having them build healthy habits, one of which being teeth brushing. Learning to brush your teeth is a necessity but many parents have no idea when they should begin this with their own kids. Dentists have weighed in and given their opinions on when kids should begin taking charge of their oral health and how parents can make tooth brushing a fun and easy part of their daily routine. 

At What Age Should Kids Learn to Brush Their Teeth?

Many pediatric dentists agree that teaching kids how to brush their teeth will allow them to build strong and healthy oral hygiene habits. Some dentists recommend allowing young kids from ages 3-5 to begin learning to brush their teeth with water. Around age 6, you may give them a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush and monitor them as they brush their teeth. By the age of 9, children should be able to brush their teeth on their own without your supervision. The earlier you build healthy habits like teeth brushing, the better off your children are. 

Why is it Important For Kids to Learn to Brush Their Teeth?

Children need to learn to brush their teeth for the same reasons that adults brush their teeth. Not only is this a great habit for them to develop but it can also prevent children from developing:

• Cavities
• Bacteria
• Plaque
• Gum Disease
• Tooth Decay

Teaching your children how to brush their teeth at an early age will lower their risk of developing any kind of oral infection or disease.

Tips to Teach Your Kid to Brush Their Teeth

Brushing your teeth can be a tedious activity that many kids may not want to do, however, it is an incredibly important habit for children to develop while they are young. Below are some tips for those who have been having trouble getting their children to brush their teeth or are wondering how to begin getting their kids to take charge of their dental hygiene. 

• Break down the steps- There is a procedure to brushing your teeth, from wetting your toothbrush to the amount of toothpaste used. Consult with your dentist to figure out which steps you should include when first beginning to teach your children to brush. Make sure to keep the steps simple and easy to remember.  
• Brush your teeth with them- Many children learn from example. If you want to show them the proper way to brush their teeth, try brushing your teeth at the same time as them and allowing them to watch you. 
• Compliment them- Children respond to praise and positivity. When watching them brush, make sure to highlight all the positive work they are doing. The positive comments will make them feel better about themselves and their abilities and make them want to continue to do well. 
• Reward them- Be sure to check your child’s teeth after they have brushed to see if they did so effectively. If they did, you can give them small rewards for a job well done. Some parents will allow their kids to pick out a special bedtime story or make them their favorite home-cooked meal for dinner the next day. 
• Make it fun- Having to brush your teeth every day can quickly become a boring habit, especially for kids who need and want constant excitement and adventure. A great way to keep them interested and involved with their oral hygiene is to make dental health fun. A great way to do this is to allow them to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to know more information about dental hygiene for your children, you can contact RenovaSmiles here.