How to Teach Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Until your kids are about 6 years old, you will probably have to brush their teeth for them. After that, though, it will be up to them to do it on their own. Teaching kids to brush their teeth is not always an easy part of parenting, but it's something that must be done. To make the process a little easier on you and your kids, try following the suggestions below.

Being Practical

1. Brush your kids' teeth for them to demonstrate how to do it properly. Then let them to do it by themselves to prove how "grown up" they are. Continue doing this for as many days or weeks as is necessary for proper instruction.

2.  Demonstrate proper tooth brushing by having your child watch as you brush your own teeth. Then let your child brush your teeth also. Laugh and make it a fun event, showing your child how pleasant tooth brushing can be.

3.  Explain to your kids what happens when they don't brush their teeth. Tell them about plaque and the germs that will eat away at their teeth if they don't brush. Many kids will respond positively when presented with this information in a rational, grown-up way.

4.  Give your child a tablet to chew that will turn areas on the teeth colorful that have not been properly brushed. This technique will clearly show your child the effects of not brushing properly and motivate him or her to brush more thoroughly.

5.  Use consistently good dental hygiene yourself. Your children, eager to emulate their much-loved parent, will follow suit.

Making it Fun

1.  Recommend to your kids that they brush their doll's teeth. This will incorporate play with practical instruction, and it will also put them in the "parent" role of tooth brushing, making them feel a little more important.

2.  Inspire your kids to brush their teeth by making it a fun activity rather than a chore. Invent a game or a song to accompany tooth brushing. Show enthusiasm so that brushing their teeth is something your kids will want to do.

3.  Take turns brushing teeth with your child and you or older siblings. Let your child brush for 10 seconds or so, praise him or her, then brush your own teeth for 10 seconds. This allows parent-child interaction while giving your child the autonomy he or she wants.

4.  Buy a selection of three or four toothbrushes when first teaching kids to brush their teeth. Let them select which toothbrush they want to use each time. This way your kids will feel like they have some control over the situation.

5.  Consider buying an electric toothbrush for your kids. This will make brushing easier and more enjoyable for them, and it is more effective than manual brushing.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2077414_teach-kids-brush-their-teeth.html

Another Successful "Give Kids a Smile"

25,188 children  seen by 12,877 dentists and 36,884 other volunteers . . . Wow!!!

Dear Give Kids A Smile Coordinator:

As we reflect on our most recent Give Kids A Smile care day, it’s clear that our shared national success is built upon your unique community efforts at more than 2,000 events across the country. Each one demonstrated “home town” care and concern for underserved children. We cannot think of a better way to thank you than by sharing the following, sent to the ADA by a grateful Mom the evening of the nationwide event:

Today my 10 yr old son was treated by your "give kids a smile" program. I can't begin to find words to thank your organization, the wonderful staff that treated him, and any others involved with this program. Today was not just about my son getting beyond some horrible dental issues (he had six extractions and two fillings), it was about giving my son confidence, self esteem, a smile, a new outlook on life, and a brighter future. I pray that you know what dental care can do for a child who has not had it available and how incredibly grateful we are to everyone. You've changed his life with your mission and generosity and I wanted to make sure you knew this. Please feel free to share this with dentists, students and donors. If there is a single way I can help this program continue, please let me know. Again, thank you deeply, and God bless you.

Plans called for an astounding 325,188 children to be seen by 12,877 dentists and 36,884 other volunteers. Again this year, Henry Schein Dental donated professional product valued at $1,050,000. DEXIS donated the use of its equipment and staff to all dental schools requesting that assistance, valued at $1,000,000. And Colgate donated $750,000 in toothbrushes and toothpastes. What a team! We are so proud they have supported us for so many years.

Warmest thanks,

Ronald L. Tankersley, D.D.S.

President