Getting in the Kitchen with your little ones.
22 August 2023Colour Play is Crucial
24 June 2024Yes, teaching your little one to brush their teeth can be patience-testing, but it can also be fun with lots of practice and encouragement.
Here are some of the tricks I found after having my first child (now 5 year old):
- Start them learning early. As soon as my now 3-year-old had his first tooth, I started him with a small bamboo toothbrush. He did only chew on the bristles at first, but it was the idea and routine of brushing his teeth that helped with the activity. His brother brushing alongside him each morning and night also helped in his enthusiasm.
- We let both our Todz choose the colour of their toothbrushes and the colour/flavour of the toothpaste (NZ Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste). Every few months I change the toothbrushes for a better clean (when bristles become rough around the edges or are more than 3 months old), which gets them excited about a new toothbrush and a different colour.
- I love the video channels on YouTube that provide musical videos on brushing teeth. My now 5-year-old started with Blippi and his videos "circles, circles" we would sing whilst learning and still do today.
- Have a mirror, so that your little one can see themselves brushing their teeth. This guides their techniques.
- In5-year-old our early stages of teaching the boys how to brush their teeth I found letting go of control and allowing them to have fun with brushing their teeth was the easiest option, allowing them to enjoy the process. Did I say the easiest option, ok not so easy to let go on my part LOL, but it made it more enjoyable for them.
- With my 5 year old now, I focus more on technique. of which he is smashing it, especially the spitting out part LOL. We also join him in brushing our teeth and monitoring the process before bed.
At the end of the day let your little one have fun with brushing their teeth, to enjoy the process. And if you miss a session (twice a day recommended - morning & night) IT’S OK!. Life gets so busy, start again tomorrow.