fbpx
Site logo

--- Advertisement ---

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Tips for Teaching Kids Proper Oral Hygiene

Children can start getting their permanent adult teeth around five or six years old, so it’s important that they learn how to properly care for their teeth from an early age. Here’s why brushing and flossing regularly is an excellent step in preventive oral health care and how to make this habit something they can look forward to.

Why brush and floss regularly?

Brushing prevents the buildup of plaque, which is the fuzzy feeling film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Bacteria thrive on the residual sugars from eating or drinking and produce acid that can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis). These are two of the most common dental problems in children.

What’s worse is that tooth decay can then further develop into cavities, tooth pain, and early tooth loss. In more severe cases, a decaying tooth can be a gateway for bacteria to enter the surrounding tissue and form an abscess. Gum disease occurs when the bacteria on the teeth infect the gums and cause them to become red and swollen.

These symptoms can be distracting and have a negative effect on your child’s schooling and sleep. However, they are generally easy to prevent with morning and nightly brushing, daily flossing, and rinsing out the mouth with water often.

How to making brushing fun for young children

It’s best to teach your children the correct methods of brushing so that they do not damage their teeth or gums and to ensure adequate cleaning of the gums, teeth, and tongue.

Unfortunately, children don’t often jump for joy at the thought of cleaning their teeth, but it is possible to engage them with fun teeth-brushing activities such as:

1  An oldie but a goodie is demonstrating how brushing removes plaque from teeth. At the pharmacy or your dentist’s office, ask for colored dissolving tablets for kids to chew and then have them brush to see the places they miss.

2  Make it a fun competition to see who can make the most “bubbles” with toothpaste.

3  Lead by example and stand side by side with your child and brush your teeth together. Better yet, have your child mimic whatever you are doing and then reverse the role.

4  Proper brushing technique includes gently brushing in small circles rather than scrubbing from side to side or up and down. This takes gross motor skills to accomplish, but with a little practice a child can outline circles. Make it fun by associating it with a round object, like a car wheel.

Although children should have a dental check-up at least once a year, speak with your dentist to determine what is best for your child. These check-ups help in the early diagnosis and treatment of tooth decay and gum disease, but they also catch more serious oral problems such as incorrect jaw alignment and chewing difficulty, inadequate spacing and teeth crowding, or jaw pain.

Bumrungrad’s pediatric dentistry offers a safe and welcoming environment for children to have their teeth and gums evaluated by caring professionals. We also offer preventative care such as sealants, fluoride treatments, and even pediatric orthodontics that can help correct anomalies and prevent greater complications later in life.

By Dr. Wiwat Leetrakulnumchai, Dentist and Specialist for Pediatric Dentistry at the Dental Center, Bumrungrad Hospital

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored content from Bumrungrad International Hospital, and it is reprinted here with permission of the hospital.

Pssst... like what you're reading?

Join our community and never miss an event, post or update!

Just enter your email address below:

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Follow Us!

Upcoming Events

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel – Easter Celebrations

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel 155 Rajadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

 , Experience a multitude of Easter delights and immersive activities at Mocha&Muffins.  - Hop over and pick up your very own Easter Bunny basket, bulging with yummy sweets and treats. […]

Curtain Up Drama and Magic – Thai Summer Holidays Programme

Curtain Up Drama and Magic Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

THAI SUMMER HOLIDAYS PROGRAMME. School holiday camp programmes are out for March and April 2024 That sounds like a fantastic opportunity for kids to improve their confidence, English skills, and […]

Please contact

F1 in Schools Thailand – March Camp

The Knowledge Exchange: KX 110 1 Krung Thon Buri Road, Bang Lamphu Lang, Khlong San, Bangkok, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Unlock the world of design and manufacturing with our March Camp! Choose from any of these camp schedules: March 4-8 March 11-15 March 18-22 March 25-29 Join us for an […]

Please Contact

Storytime Preschool – Toddlers Playgroup

Storytime Preschool 85 Soi Samaharn, Sukhumvit 4, Bangkok

Join us every Wednesday with Miss Polly for playgroup fun! We have music, movement, water play, sand play, art, sensory activities & so much more planned! Non Storytime students welcome […]

฿350

Duc De Praslin Belgium – Chocolate : Easter Day

Duc De Praslin Belgium - Chocolate G. fl., RSU Tower, bangkok, Thailand

  Celebrate Easter joyfully with your little ones by embracing Duc de Praslin's specially curated Easter Collection. Our delightful assortment is crafted to bring smiles to young faces, featuring whimsical […]

Please Contact
Get The Latest Updates

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest kid and family-friendly activities and events in your inbox every Thursday! No spam, guaranteed.

More information

Recent Posts

Kids water flight

Songkran Camps for Kids in Bangkok

With the Songkran school holidays just around the corner, and summer not far on the horizon, many parents will be keen to find fun and rewarding activities for their children

whale at sea

Day Trip: Whale Watching in Petchburi

Mention whale watching in Thailand and you may get funny looks. Not widely known, the Gulf of Thailand is indeed home to whales, specifically Bryde’s (pronounced ‘bruda’) Whales. These majestic