Q&A Pediatric Dentistry: Getting Your Child to Brush and Floss

Getting your child to brush and floss can often be a challenge. To help facilitate good oral hygiene habits, try these suggestions:

• Make brushing/flossing a daily priority that is important & necessary and cannot be skipped
• Brush & floss wherever it is convenient (not necessarily in the bathroom)
• Brush without toothpaste if necessary; toothpaste acts as a source of fluoride and freshens breath, but it is not as important as the act of brushing alone
• Allow them to choose their toothbrush and floss/flossing aids as a means of getting them actively involved
• Make it as fun as possible and approach their oral hygiene with a positive attitude such as playing music they enjoy or turning it into a game

Some children cry and fuss when their teeth are brushed despite your best efforts as a parent. This is very common and normal. Some children are simply more strong-willed than others and their way of expressing their discontent with brushing & flossing early in life is to cry & scream. As most parents can attest, children often cry at other routine but necessary tasks such as taking a bath, getting a haircut, or putting PJ’s on & going to bed on time. It is important to remember that some aspects of being a parent are non-negotiable as it pertains to the health & well-being of the child. Even if they don’t like it, you must remember that is being done from a loving standpoint and proper oral hygiene must be performed in order to prevent pain, disease, and infection.

We will do everything we can to make your child’s dentist experience as caring and comfortable as possible. Schedule an appointment at Sala Family Dentistry today!