As
the new school year moves near, many parents are left with the age-old
struggle of how to get their child to brush their teeth regularly before
heading off to the bus stop each day. The good news is that for those
parents who put in the effort, their kids will usually develop good oral
hygiene habits. Prior to the school year beginning, parents can start
working on helping their child develop good daily brushing habits.
“It’s important that
parents get kids started young with good oral hygiene habits,” explains
Dr. Bruno Sharp, a fourth-generation dentist who created a line of
natural fluoride-free products called Dr. Sharp Dentistry, and is
celebrating his 10th year as a Natural Oral Care provider.
“For some families it may seem like a tall task, but it’s one that is
important enough to keep working on. Most kids will come around and
stick with the habits that they are being taught.”
Here are some back-to-school tips for helping kids establish good morning oral hygiene habits:- Teach them why. Discuss the reasons why they need to brush regularly, so they know why they are doing it. You can make this easier and still keep it age-appropriate by picking up some kid’s books about brushing, too.
- Make it fun. When parents make brushing time fun, little kids are more likely to want to participate. Have a brushing song or fun routine that goes along with getting the job done each day.
- Give them rewards. Kids love to get rewards, even if it’s a sticker added to their sticker chart. Once they meet their brushing goals, take them to the store to pick out a book. This will help to keep reinforcing the habit.
- Praise their efforts. Rather than focusing on what they fall short of or miss, stick to keeping it positive and giving kudos for the parts they do well. They can always go back and improve areas missed, but positive reinforcement goes a long way.
- Help and hold accountable. Up until kids are around 8-9 years old, parents may need to keep going into the bathroom with them to ensure proper brushing is being done. While it may seem like a pain, it’s helping them to establish lifelong habits that will benefit them greatly in the long run.
“The last thing parents
want to do before school each day is to argue with their kids about
brushing their teeth,” added Dr. Sharp. “When you make a plan and stick
to it, you are usually going to be more successful in getting them to
create the brushing habit. It’s all about looking after their best
interest.”
Another issue that
parents should be aware of with school coming back is fluorosis, which
is marked by changes in the appearance of the tooth’s enamel. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children eight
and under are at risk for the condition, because they still have adult
teeth under their baby teeth. Dentists such as Dr. Sharp are warning
parents to avoid fluoride for their children because of the potential
health risks, as well as fluorosis.
Common sources of
fluoride, according to the CDC, include toothpaste (which also come with
a fluoride warning label right on the label), drinking water that has
been fluoridated, and other oral hygiene products, such as mouthwash.
They also recommend that parents not allow children to swallow
toothpaste that contains fluoride, yet they advise that unintentionally
swallowing it can lead to a greater amount being ingested than intended.
Dr. Sharp, however, recommends that parents avoid fluoridated
toothpastes altogether in an effort to remove the risks associated with
children ingesting fluoride.
Dr. Sharp Natural Oral
Care now offers their product line in small, convenient travel size
options. His product line includes children’s toothpaste, adult
toothpaste, fresh mint mouthwash, and dental tape. All products are safe
to use, made in the USA, and are gluten-free, have no artificial colors
or flavors, are vegan, non-GMO, alcohol-free, fluoride-free, and
cruelty-free. Plus, they help whiten teeth and have xylitol, which is a
natural sweetener that also helps to fight off cavities. The products
are safe for the entire family. To learn more about Dr. Sharp Natural
Oral Care products or see where they can be purchased, visit the site
at: www.drsharpcare.com.
About Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care
Dr. Sharp Natural Oral
Care is a line of natural oral care products that were created by a
fourth-generation dentist. All products are made from natural, safe
ingredients, and are made in the USA. The product line includes
toothpaste for children and adults, mouthwash, and dental tape. For more
information, visit the site at: www.drsharpcare.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @drsharpnaturaloralcare.
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