The best way to show your child how to keep their teeth clean and healthy is to model teeth cleaning for your children. This may seem like a small thing, but for children, watching and imitating their parents is one of the ways they learn. Here are some tips to model correct brushing and flossing techniques for your child.
Why the Proper Technique Is So Important
You want your child to have the best tooth-cleaning techniques possible because the healthier their mouth is, the stronger their teeth will be throughout their lifetime. Teeth are at their strongest when they do not have cavities. Once a cavity forms, even if our dentist fills it, it is a weaker tooth than one with no cavities at all. When children brush and floss correctly, they are also preventing gum disease with good brushing and flossing techniques. When you make sure your child is cleaning their teeth correctly, you are setting them up for a lifetime of great dental health.
Teaching Good Technique
The first step you should take with your young child is to let them watch you brush and floss your teeth daily. You may want to explain what you are doing while you are brushing and also tell them why you are doing it. After you brush and floss your teeth, you can then work with your child to brush and floss their own teeth.
Once your child is ready to try brushing on their own, let them have some independence. Allow them to pick out a toothbrush they like, as well as a toothpaste flavor they like. Because your children are young, you may want to pick out two or three toothbrushes to take home because toddlers often change their minds.
Make a game out of tooth brushing and flossing. Sing a song and dance around. Make goofy faces in the mirror, and joke around with your child. If you make tooth cleaning a game, your children will not see it as a big chore.
Not sure how to start teaching your child good brushing techniques? We can help. Call our office today to make an appointment with our dentist.
Location
1739 NE 122nd Ave Portland, OR 97230-1914
Hours
Mondays & Tuesdays: 7 AM - 3 PM Wednesdays & Thursdays: 8 AM - 5 PM Fridays: Closed
Hunter Dental Care, 1739 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230-1914 • (503) 256-3737 • hunterdentalcare.com • 6/20/2025 • Related Phrases: dentist Portland OR •
The best way to show your child how to keep their teeth clean and healthy is to model teeth cleaning for your children. This may seem like a small thing, but for children, watching and imitating their parents is one of the ways they learn. Here are some tips to model correct brushing and flossing techniques for your child.