For children, the Pokémon universe is much more than just a video game or a series they watch after school. This world clearly plays a part in their personality development. Indeed, each role in the Pokémon saga or in the game has its own identity. Our little ones tend to identify with them. We can […]
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Yoga is an activity we generally start practicing as adults. However, taking up yoga as a child can have many benefits. Yoga is a gentle discipline that’s perfect for children. It’s best to start practicing yoga and meditation at an early age to reap the full benefits. Regular yoga sessions for young children can help […]
At what age can a child wear jewelry?
Children’s jewelry is the perfect gift for any special occasion: birth, birthday, christening or Christmas. There’s often no need to hesitate in offering such a gift to a teenager or an adult. For children, the question seems a little trickier. As their skin marks easily, parents tend to fear that wearing jewelry could lead to […]
Teaching children to brush their teeth
Songs and rhymes can also stimulate curiosity and help children acquire knowledge.”> rhymes. Every evening, turn on the TV and play the illustrated song to encourage your child to brush his teeth. You’ll see that they’ll even ask you to bring them a toothbrush. Make the most of it!
At first, don’t force your little one to stick to a fixed time of one or two minutes. Start gently, brushing for a few seconds a day, gradually increasing the time. You can use a stopwatch or hourglass to help your little one learn patience. Don’t forget to praise him for his cooperation and encourage him each time by reading him his favorite story, for example.
Toothbrushing: the first steps to learn
Between theages of 6 months and 3 years, children are not yet skilled enough to brush their own teeth. As a result, parents are responsible for carrying out this operation.
Oral hygiene between 0 and 6 months
Even in the absence of teeth, oralhygiene is very important for an infant’s health. You must therefore be meticulous in this area. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Moisten a soft cloth or compress around your index finger
- Take your child in your arms or place him on the changing table
- Gently open his mouth by pressing on both sides of his jaw
- Insert your finger and gently rub baby‘s gums from front to back
- Make sure all milk and food residues are removed
How do I clean the mouth of a child between 6 months and 3 years of age?
The first milk teeth appear from theage of 6 months. However, the use of a toothbrush is not yet recommended. As for gum cleaning, use a damp compress. Then rub all the surfaces of the teeth that are already there. Do this morning and evening.
Between theages of 1 and 3, you can use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Here’s how:
- Position yourself behind your child.
- Crouch down and place your little one’s head on your chest, tilting it back slightly.
- With one hand under his chin, brush his teeth, starting with the lower ones one side at a time. Use back-and-forth strokes.
- Then brush the upper jaw in the same way.
- Rinsing is not mandatory when using fluoride toothpaste. In fact, it’s advisable to leave it on to protect your child‘s teeth.
From guided brushing to autonomy
Children generally become more dexterous after a few days at school. They learn to use their hands better. So, as soon as they can write their name, they can start brushing their own teeth. Thanks to the practice you’ve given them before this period, they’ll already have acquired some notions of brushing.
However, parental guidance is still necessary. During each brushing session, let your child hold the brush, but guide him/her with your hand to teach him/her the movements required for optimal cleaning. Go from once a day to twice a day, morning and evening.
To encourage him, brush at the same time as he does. Put yourself at his height or buy him a shower step stool so he can reach the sink and see himself in the mirror. By looking at his reflection, he’ll also learn more quickly what to do when brushing.
The 1-2-3-4 method is the first thing you should teach him:
1- Bottom left
2- Bottom right
3- Top right with brush upside down
4- Top left to finish
With the help of a timer, count the duration of each step to motivate your child. Set the timer to 30 seconds per side, so that brushing is completed in 2 minutes. Over time, the right gestures will be assimilated. By theage of 6, your little one should be able to brush on his own.
From then on, teach him the circular movements he needs to make to avoid gradual damage to the enamel. Remember that horizontal brushing makes it difficult to reach the hidden corners of the teeth.
Which toothbrush and toothpaste for a child?
Choosing the right toothpaste and an easy-to-use toothbrush can simplify your child‘s oralhygiene training. That’s why we advise you on the purchase of this type of product.
A child’s training toothbrush
A child brushing his or her teeth for the first time will need time to assimilate the right gestures to remove all the food residues stuck to his or her plates and in the interstices. It can also happen that the child doesn’t want your help during the operation. To remedy this, we recommend the Magic Toothbrush for Children.
This product is distinguished first and foremost by its design, which takes the U-shape of the jaw. Thanks to this feature, it encompasses your child‘s entire dentition. The bristles are located on the front and back of the teeth, ensuring optimal cleaning.
It’s easy to use. Apply three small dabs of toothpaste to the top (on both sides and in the middle). Position the brush so that teeth are trapped between the bristles. Now let your child turn the handle from side to side. Rinse mouth and you’re done.
Learning to brush teeth: which toothpaste?
The composition of children’s toothpastes varies from one manufacturer to another. Before buying a product, you should take a close look at the list of ingredients. To guarantee your little one’s health, eliminate the following elements:
- Titanium, which is carcinogenic
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is closely linked to the development of mouth ulcers
- Triclosan, an endocrine disruptor
- Parabens, which are allergens
For children, fluoride toothpaste should contain between 450 and 500 ppm.
Teaching children to brush their teeth: key points
Teaching children to brush their teeth is one of the most important phases in teaching personalhygiene. Poor maintenance can lead to a number of dental diseases. To ensure that our children learn easily and naturally, we need to get them used to strict oral hygiene from birth. That way, when their milk teeth appear, they won’t be reluctant to wash the inside of their mouths.
For their first teeth, use only a moistened compress until they are one or two yearsold. From then on, choose a bristle toothbrush. You can also opt for a U-shaped brush to make things easier for yourself and encourage your little one to take part in the process. Toothbrushing should last no more than 2 minutes, twice a day: morning and evening.
As for the method, the 1-2-3-4 technique seems the easiest for a child to learn. On the bottom, start with the right side, then the left. Then do the same for the upper jaw. To reach every nook and cranny, use circular rather than horizontal strokes.
If your child finds the task daunting, do everything you can to encourage him/her. Explain the importance of good dental hygiene, brush together, show educational cartoons with rhymes or read illustrated books on the subject. If your little one has a competitive spirit, create contests to reward the one who brushes his or her teeth the best.What about you? Have you already taken this important step? How can you get your children used to brushing their teeth? Don’t hesitate to leave us a comment. We’d love to hear your tips.
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