Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Things You Can Do To Get Your Toddler To Cooperate During Tooth Brushing Time

26 March 2016
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

Getting the cooperation of a toddler during nightly tooth brushing time isn't easy. Many toddlers respond by locking their mouths, shaking their heads, crying or just plain refusing to cooperate. The following tactics can be used to cajole a toddler into cooperation during nightly tooth brushing time.

Let Them "Help"

Toddlers love to do it themselves, and having your toddler "help" during tooth brushing time is a good way to introduce him or her to the concept of proper dental hygiene. During tooth brushing time, have your toddler hold the tube of tooth paste in one hand. In the other hand, allow your toddler to put his or her hand around the handle of the toothbrush. Use your hand to guide the toothbrush, but allow your toddler to "assist."

Your toddler may need some coaching in this area, because many young children won't understand that they must hold the toothbrush gently. Some toddlers may try to take control of the toothbrush during the process. If your toddler gets too rough or disruptive to the process, simply remove the toothbrush, say "gentle," or "we'll do this together," in a soothing voice, and then try the process again.

Show a Video

If you have a smart phone with Internet access, or a television near your bathroom, give you toddler a little bit of screen time during tooth brushing time. Allow your child to watch a few minutes of kid-friendly programming, or a video featuring one of your toddler's favorite songs or performers. This is an especially effective tactic for a toddler who gets little or no screen time, because it makes tooth brushing time seem unique and interesting.

Show Your Toddler that You Brush Too

Many toddlers like to do what their parents do. Have tooth brushing time of your own during a time when your toddler can watch you. Brush your teeth and make reassuring statements to your toddler about how you like tooth brushing time. Let your toddler watch the entire process, and maybe offer for your toddler to help with your tooth brushing. This will help renew your toddler's interest in tooth brushing and may give your toddler an understanding of expectations during nightly teeth cleaning.

Every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another child. If you're still having trouble getting your toddler to cooperate during toothbrushing time, talk to your dentist, like Tony Parsley, DMD, during the next dentist appointment. He or she may be able to give suggestions that will help.