Parent’s Check List For Healthy Toddler Teeth

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Did you know that you are your child’s 1st dental health model?

You are. This is because good dental health for children starts with good habits at home. As parents you play an important role in developing healthy behaviors for your child at a young age, and that’s important for lifelong well-being.

Brushing Teeth Like My Daddy
Brushing Teeth Like My Daddy

So how do you guide your child toward positive oral healthcare?

Here are some tips you’ll find helpful —

Dental Healthcare Tips For Your Child’s Toddler And Preschool Years

  • Show your toddler how to brush their teeth by letting them watch you. Use a small soft bristle toothbrush with a flexible head with a rice grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Think of the mouth like a clock, start on the top right brushing from the back to the front of their mouth. As you go around brush the cheek side, then lift their lip to brush the front teeth and then back to the cheek side. Then brush the roof of the mouth side and the tongue side. Brush the chewing and biting surfaces last.
  • Begin a regular flossing routine. The best time to start is when your child has 2 teeth that are touching, and floss all their teeth before brushing. Flossing before brushing is a really good idea, so dislodged food particles can be washed away during brushing. A fun easy way to floss is with either the hand held flossers in cool colors and shapes or with waxed child-friendly flavored floss.
  • Start a routine by selecting a consistent time every night to floss and brush. Try 30 minutes before bed time every night. When you’re finished it’s a good time for cuddling or reading.
  • Begin a small reward system. Toddlers respond well to positive reinforcement. Think about small rewards like stickers, extra snuggle time or reading an extra story with them after brushing and before it’s light’s out for bed. This goes a long way to having an enjoyable night every night.
Our New Nightly Toothbrushing Saying - I Can and I Will
Our New Nightly Toothbrushing Saying – I Can and I Will

Don’t lose sight of your short term goals and the long term prize. Your goals get you to your prize which is life long dental health for your family. Also remember to have fun. Children love to have fun, so have fun with your child as you install in them good dental health habits that will last them a life time.

What’s your dental hack? Share your tip, we’d love to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/ kidstoothhotline.

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Unknown's avatar

Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.