It’s best to instill good habits in your child at a very young age. Why? Well, the likelihood of them continuing these good habits increase the younger they are and the more practice they receive. For this reason, it’s extremely important for parents to teach their children proper brushing and flossing techniques shortly after their baby teeth grow in!
Why is Brushing & Flossing So Important?
It’s vital to start them young when it comes to brushing and flossing teeth and gums. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques and you can teach them in the comfort of your own home!
So, what should you be teaching them? Your child should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day. First, they should rinse their mouth out with water. This will allow them to loosen any food that is stuck in between their teeth or braces. They should then hold their toothbrush at an angle of 45-degrees, and they should start brushing at the gum-line.
It’s important that they brush each tooth and bracket (if they have braces), and that they take their time while doing so.
Your child should also be flossing once a day. Make sure they are getting in between each tooth and that they are getting all of the “gunk” out with each threading motion.
If your child struggles to floss because they have braces, fear not! They can use a floss threader to make the process easier. Make sure that they get the floss all the way above their gum-line, but ensure they are not yanking or tugging at their teeth or brackets.
What Happens If You Don’t Brush & Floss Regularly?
Tooth decay is caused by improper brushing and flossing. One of the first signs that there is a problem is pain. Your child may have sensitivity to certain foods such as those that are cold, hot or sweet. It’s important to notify your dentist or orthodontist of any problems or pain your child may be facing, in order to address and correct the problem before it gets even worse.