“Healthy teeth, beautiful hair, that’s what makes a person fair,” as the old saying goes, highlighting the importance of teeth for health and appearance. Teaching children how to brush their teeth correctly from a young age is crucial. It helps them develop good oral hygiene habits, contributing to their health and self-confidence as they grow up.
Why Do Preschoolers Need to Learn Proper Brushing?
Just like adults, preschoolers are prone to tooth decay if they don’t care for their oral hygiene properly. Brushing teeth correctly helps remove food debris and plaque, preventing cavities and other dental problems.
Potential Risks of Improper Brushing in Children:
- Tooth Decay (Cavities): The most common dental issue in children, causing pain and affecting their ability to eat and develop properly.
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, leading to bleeding gums, loose teeth, and potential tooth loss.
- Bad Breath: Food particles stuck on teeth are a primary cause of bad breath, impacting a child’s self-esteem.
- Impact on Overall Health: Dental problems can affect overall health, especially the digestive system, hindering nutrient absorption in children.
How to Teach Preschoolers to Brush Correctly
1. Choosing the Right Toothbrush:
- Toothbrushes for Children: Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, suitable for a child’s mouth size.
- Note: Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles are worn or frayed.
2. Choosing the Right Toothpaste:
- Toothpaste for Children: Choose toothpaste with a pleasant flavor, not too spicy, and with low fluoride content, appropriate for their age.
- Note: Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children to prevent them from swallowing too much.
3. Proper Brushing Technique for Preschoolers:
- Step 1: Have your child rinse their mouth with clean water to remove loose food particles.
- Step 2: Put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush.
- Step 3: Guide your child to brush in the following steps:
- Brush the outer surfaces of the teeth, from top to bottom.
- Brush the inner surfaces of the teeth, from bottom to top.
- Brush the chewing surfaces, using a back-and-forth motion to remove plaque from the grooves.
- Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Step 4: Instruct your child to rinse their mouth with clean water to remove any remaining toothpaste.
4. Make Brushing a Regular Habit:
- Twice a Day: Morning after waking up and evening before bedtime.
- Brushing Time: Aim for 2-3 minutes each time.
- Note: Create a fun and relaxed environment and encourage your child to brush independently to make it enjoyable and establish a good brushing habit.
The Story of Uncle Cuoi and His Teeth:
“Healthy teeth, beautiful hair, that’s what makes a person fair,” as the old saying goes, highlighting the importance of teeth for health and appearance. Just like adults, preschoolers are prone to tooth decay if they don’t care for their oral hygiene properly.
The story tells that long ago, when Uncle Cuoi was a child, he loved eating candy and sweets. Every time he finished eating, he forgot to brush his teeth, causing food debris to stick to his teeth, leading to tooth decay. Day by day, his teeth became more and more painful, and he couldn’t enjoy his meals.
One day, Uncle Ty, his close friend, came to visit and saw Uncle Cuoi groaning in pain from a toothache. Uncle Ty advised Uncle Cuoi to brush his teeth regularly to maintain good oral health.
Uncle Cuoi listened to Uncle Ty and diligently brushed his teeth twice a day. His teeth gradually stopped hurting, and he enjoyed his meals more. From then on, Uncle Cuoi understood the importance of oral hygiene and often reminded young children to pay attention to brushing their teeth every day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can children use adult toothpaste?
Answer: It is not recommended for children to use adult toothpaste because it usually has a high fluoride content, which can be harmful to children’s health if swallowed in large amounts.
- When should children start brushing their teeth?
Answer: You should start brushing your child’s teeth when they are 1 year old, using a toothbrush designed for children and toothpaste for children.
- How to make brushing fun for children?
Answer: Create a fun and relaxed environment when brushing teeth, use toothbrushes and toothpaste with attractive shapes and colors.
Expert Advice:
Dr. Nguyen Van A, Dental Specialist: “Teaching children how to brush their teeth correctly is extremely important. It helps them form good oral hygiene habits, contributing to their health and self-confidence as they grow up.”
Dr. Le Thi B, Lecturer at Medical University: “Children should use toothpaste designed for children, with low fluoride content suitable for their age. Limit children’s use of toothpaste with sweet flavors, as it can easily make them addicted and swallow toothpaste.”
Important Notes:
- Brushing teeth correctly and regularly is essential for protecting children’s oral health.
- Take your child for regular dental check-ups every 6 months for early detection and treatment of dental problems.
Suggestions:
You can refer to other articles on the TUỔI THƠ website to learn more about topics related to children’s health care, such as: https://tuoitho.edu.vn/hoi-thi-an-toan-giao-thong-cho-tre-mam-non/, https://tuoitho.edu.vn/huong-dan-mo-truong-mam-non/.
Contact:
You can contact us via phone number 0372999999 or visit the address 234 Hao Nam, Hanoi for advice and support on products and services for children.
Let TUỔI THƠ accompany your beloved children on their journey of exploring the world and building a healthy and happy childhood!