By Dr. Fung
Remember that baby teeth are just as important as permanent, or adult, teeth. Yes, they will eventually fall out and be replaced, but on a prescribed schedule; a permanent tooth doesn’t come in simply because a baby tooth is gone. If a baby tooth is lost early, there will be a space until the permanent tooth is developed enough to erupt.
In the meantime, baby teeth allow a child to eat, talk, and smile with confidence. They are also “training teeth” that let the child learn how to keep his or her mouth clean and healthy. Once a child has teeth, they should be brushed by a parent, and once the teeth touch, they should be flossed.
For those parents who have little ones who are resistant, it is tough to hear them cry, and it can be almost impossible to do a thorough job, but stick with it. Consistency is the key. If kids know the routine, they will eventually understand how important it is and start cooperating. How long it will take for cooperation to start will depend on the child. As you struggle and wonder when it will get better, remember that part of the goal is to teach good habits, and it’s always easier to deal with a resistant younger child than a resistant older child.
Some suggestions that might help:
– Don’t wait until right before bed when your child might be at his or her most tired and cranky. As long as the mouth is clean at bedtime, the brushing can be done at any time between the last feed and sleep.
– Try to incorporate brushing into something fun – do it in between books at storytime or do it during a quick break during playtime.
– Get help. Sometimes with a very resistant child, toothbrushing can be a two-person job.
– Break the task into smaller pieces. Especially with uncooperative kids, the last teeth brushed are usually not brushed well. Brush one section (upper/lower or right/left or even divide the mouth into fourths if needed), do something fun, and then finish with the final section(s). Usually that makes the job less daunting for the parent, and the child doesn’t have a chance to get as upset.
– Give the child some control. Try “take-turns”…first the parent with a dry brush, then the child with a favorite paste they picked at the store. It’s ok for the child to brush, as long as an adult actually gets the plaque off. Some kids are more cooperative just holding their own toothbrush while their teeth are being brushed.
– Make it fun – take breaks to laugh and tickle and talk. As long as the job is done, the funnest way is the best way!
Read more about baby teeth on our website, www.healthytoothteam.com.