How to get kids to brush their Teeth!

When it comes to a bedtime routine, or getting out of the house on time in the morning, parents often feel like they are swimming against the current on a number of fronts - making school lunches, getting everyone bathed and dressed, and accommodating everyone’s food preferences. But more often than not, the biggest concern we hear from parents, is how to get their kids to brush their teeth.

So here are a few tips from our Dental team to help make teeth brushing a part of the routine that is enjoyed, not endured!

1. ROUTINE

Work together with your children to establish a clear routine for brushing their teeth, and stick to it. Try to keep teeth brushing to the same time, every morning and night.

 

2. SHOW AND TELL

Brush your own teeth while your child is brushing theirs. Modelling is such an effective parenting strategy, so get down on their level and let them see how you brush all your teeth – top and bottom, front and back. Children still need help with their technique, so it's a great opportunity for you to help them with places they might be missing.

3. MAKE A STORY FROM IT

Demonstrate how to brush in circles like train wheels going around a track from left to right and right to left… Make it something they will love and look forward to.

4. GIVE THEM A CHOICE

Involving children in daily choices is essential to building ownership and increasing their participation in self-care tasks. Next time you are at the Supermarket, why not let them pick the flavour of the toothpaste, or the colour of the toothbrush.

5. MAKE IT FUN

Choosing a favourite song to play is a great idea to ensure you're dedicating the required two minutes to brushing, or see who can make the most bubbles with their brushing! 

6. TELL THEM WHY  

Education is critical. Tailor it to their age and watch their habits change for life. Now is the time to instil great fundamental oral hygiene habits.

And last, but certainly not least - don't forget to start them early with regular visits to the Dentist. We promise to make a comfortable, fun and GOOD first impression! Give us a call Today, or simply book online: here

Happy flossing!

The Dental 4U Team

School holidays are upon us and it's all about the kids!

During the hustle and bustle of the school holidays, it is easy to become out of sync and a little relaxed with keeping up good oral health habits. When it comes to our little ones, it is especially important to maintain a good routine to keep their smiles healthy and bright.

Children tend to imitate their Parents habits, so by teaching children the importance of looking after their teeth from a young age, you’re giving them the best possible start to healthy habits that will benefit them into adulthood.

The School holidays are the perfect time to bring kids in for their check up’s.  When children have regular check up’s, they are more comfortable with visiting the Dentist and are less likely to be afraid of having dental treatments. The aim of the check up’s are to assess any dental problems at their early stages, give suggestions on managing any dental health problems and encourage better oral hygiene habits.

Dental caries or tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. So regular check up’s should be a priority.

We still have appointments available during the school holiday period, book online or give us a call Today!

Is your child eligible for the Child dental benefits schedule(CDBS)?

The CDBS provides eligible children with up to $1,000 in benefits for basic dental services capped over two consecutive calendar years. Your child is deemed eligible for the CDBS by Medicare, who administers the program.

Dental4U provides services under the child dental benefits schedule with no additional gap payments and convenient electronic claiming with your medicare card.

To find out more about this beneficial program and whether your child is eligible, Call Medicare on 132 011 or visit the Department of Human Services Website.

Warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team

Why your child's check up should be a priority...

It is recommended that children visit the Dentist from around the age of 3, or earlier if you have any concerns about their teeth. Regular dental check up’s can help parents become familiar with their children’s dental and oral health milestones and are important in helping develop positive dental experiences for our younger patients.

If your child has any habits such as thumb or finger sucking – it may be interfering in the healthy development of their teeth. During these visits parents also benefit from discussions regarding teething, normal tooth development, oral hygiene and nutritional advice.

Whilst many children like to be independent and brush their own teeth, most do not have the coordination or dexterity to brush their teeth properly. We recommend a collaborative approach where parents monitor their children’s hygiene habits on a daily basis, or until they are confident that good techniques are being used.

Dental Caries(commonly known as tooth decay) is the single most common childhood disease.  At Dental4U, we wish to educate our patients to help prevent dental caries through better oral hygiene habits. When children have regular dental check ups, we can pick up on any tooth decay or issues at their early stages.

The Golden rule is to brush twice a day and floss once, especially before bed.

We understand that little ones can find it hard to clean their teeth properly, so we can give you tips and recommendations to help make brushing and flossing a breeze.

Don’t delay, call or email us Today to book your child’s next dental visit! Online bookings available for your convenience. Click: here

Warm regards,

The Dental 4U Team