Kids Will Be Kids

Parents, you know what we’re talking about. It’s a common tactic used by kids who are learning to be more independent and taking care of their own morning and bedtime routines. Show parents that you brushed your teeth by having them smell the minty toothpaste on your breath. That’s proof, right? But brushing your teeth doesn’t have to be boring!

Kids don’t like to be told what to do, nor do they like routine chores. Unfortunately brushing your teeth can seem like a chore when you’re anxious to get down to the business of being a kid. The resourceful ones will find ways to make you believe that they’ve brushed including wetting the toothbrush and licking a little toothpaste off of their finger to freshen their breath. Other kids may underestimate your powers of deduction and not try so hard. Either way, it’s up to you to look for the signs that your child may not be practicing good oral hygiene. Is the tube of toothpaste lasting a lot longer than it normally does? Is your child’s morning breath strong enough to knock you backward? Has the toothbrush actually moved from the last place it was? One patient shared a story with us about eventually finding mold growing on her child’s toothbrush. Busted.

Making Brushing Your Teeth Fun

If you think your child is shirking their oral care responsibilities it may be time to step back in temporarily and keep a more watchful eye. Find a way to make brushing fun so that little ones don’t feel like it’s a chore or a punishment to have to do it. Brush your own teeth at the same time, sing a song, or tell a story while your child brushes. Gamify the task by awarding points, for brushing and flossing, that can be exchanged for a few extra minutes of screen time or some other (unsweetened) treat. What’s even better, find a way to get them to be more honest about brushing on their own. 

Take it From us

One way to do that is by helping them understand the reasons why oral care is so important. Take kids to the dental office for regular checkups and cleanings. If they aren’t taken good care of, your family dentistry professional will notice and help to educate your child. Even if your child hasn’t taken the possibility of cavities and gum disease seriously coming from you, they may be more inclined to believe it from us. Ultimately, whether they choose to believe it or not, it’s good for a dentist or hygienist to regularly clean away any additional tartar that may have built up while your child gets through this childhood phase—minty breath, moldy toothbrushes, and all. 

Dr. Ranny Sidhu and the Midland Bay Dental team provide preventative oral healthcare to kids and patients of all ages. If you are looking for a dentist in Midland, Ontario, call us at 705- 526-6441 or book an appointment on our website for your next dental checkup. Follow us on Instagram!