Does Your Child Hate Brushing Their Teeth?
As anyone raising a toddler or child will know, getting them to brush their teeth properly on a regular basis can be quite the challenge. While as adults we understand why it’s crucial to take our dental care seriously, little ones can dismiss this part of their morning and evening routine as simply time away from play. Yet, ensuring your youngster’s teeth are properly cleaned twice daily will stand them in good stead – not just now, but particularly in the future. It will help them avoid tooth decay and hang on to their all-important baby teeth for as long as possible, while also teaching them positive life-long habits from a young age. To give you the best advice when it comes to your children’s dental health, we’ve called on a number of top experts. Paediatric dentist Dr Jasleen Sangha, dental hygienist Hannah Ripley and dentist Cerri Mellish are here to guide you through. They share all the key steps parents can take to make dental care a tantrum-free zone at home…
Why might little ones struggle to brush their own teeth?
Dr Sangha from Happy Kids Dental, explains that children do not have the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth until they are seven or eight years of age. “Although that does not mean they should not be encouraged to brush their own teeth before that,” she notes, while acknowledging that it can also be hard for them to stay focused. “Two minutes is a long time in the life of a toddler – particularly if they are feeling tired just before bedtime.” There can be other more practical barriers. “Some children may have sensory issues, which could be a passing phase for some and more persistent for others,” says Cerri Mellish, a dentist at Bupa Dental Care. “They may struggle with the taste and texture of the toothbrush and toothpaste. Strong, minty toothpastes may feel ‘spicy’ to their sensitive taste buds, and they might not like the sensation of the bristles.” She adds that their teeth usually start coming through between six months and two years, and during this time it may also feel painful to brush.