Guest
Expert Judith Tanenbaum, DMD, replies:
The basics are: demonstrate and explain,
over and over and over. Tell your child that just as he has to wash
his hands to get the dirt off, so he has to brush his teeth to get
off the special dirt that accumulates there. Show your child the
white creamy substance that appears on his teeth when they are not
properly brushed and explain that this substance, called plaque,
is full of germs. But unlike dirty hands, which actually look clean
after they are washed, plaque is a white substance found on white
teeth, so it doesn't show up very well.
Even children who do cooperate in brushing
their teeth usually do it quickly and only for the good taste
of the toothpaste. To teach them to brush properly, you can
purchase disclosing tablets or drops at a pharmacy. When the
tablets are chewed, or the drops are swished around the mouth,
they will highlight any organic material, i.e. germs, and
will very dramatically show the child where the "dirt"
on his teeth is. Let the child have the tablet or drops after
he has brushed his teeth; then, using a light and a hand mirror,
help him examine all of his teeth's surfaces. The spots that
are white have been properly brushed. The spots that are red
have not. Have the child brush again and try to eliminate
all the red spots. Do this daily at first and then weekly
just to check.
If this procedure along with explanations
that excess plaque can cause gum infections and tooth decay, still
do not motivate your child, try investing in an electric or battery-operated
toothbrush. These not only do much of the work of tooth-brushing
but are also fun for kids.
You should be aware that until the age of
six, most children do not have the coordination needed to brush
their teeth properly. While they should be taught and encouraged
to do so, a parent needs to go over the teeth to make sure they
are clean.
© Ruth Mason, 2000 |
