Chew Baby Chew – Building Up A Brushing Habit Early On

Parents and carers rejoice! You are not alone in the pre-bedtime toothbrushing phenomenon. 

Before children, I didn’t even consider the long nights, interrupted sleep and toothbrushing related battles I would have to face. Then it happened. Staring into my little one’s eyes, I realised that when there’s a will, there’s a way. Her will nearly broke me. 

Discovering what makes your child happy and what makes them tick is all part of the parenting adventure. Some days you become a tactical strategist to overcome what at first may seem like a simple task. 

Establishing a toothbrushing routine early on is one of the best habits you can instil in your growing child. Read on for our helpful tips to become a toothbrushing pro:

Understanding baby teeth

Magical and dreamlike, the Tooth Fairy has become an icon for many households. When you think about the power of a good story, you realise why she’s so important. She is the poster child for keeping your pearly whites healthy from the off – she won’t accept any exceptions. 

Teeth begin to develop before your little one first enters the outside world. Sounds odd when you think that they don’t start to appear until they are between 6 to 12 months old. By the time your babe is 3, they will most likely have a full set of 20 healthy milk teeth.  

Suddenly your child is grinning toothless smiles when they’re 5-6 years old, and then they are sprouting adult teeth. Your little babe doesn’t seem so small anymore. And it’s time to drop by this reputable Childrens dentist in Vienna for a check-up.

Here’s the crunch: not developing good oral hygiene in your child from the start could result in a lifetime of painful cavities. Baby or milk teeth need to remain healthy as they pave the way for their adult teeth to grow. 

Well cared for baby teeth will ensure that your child had good teeth alignment and strong, healthy gums. 

The harsh reality

Baby teeth have a vital role to play in your child’s development and growth. Molars in particular impact the shape of your little one’s face, as well as the position and alignment of their future adult teeth. 

Crooked teeth are usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Enter the dreaded braces. 

Keeping your little one’s teeth and gums healthy from the start will avoid unnecessary trips to the dentist later on. What’s more, braces can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. Why put your babe through that?

Lead by example

Have you ever watched how your child’s eyes light up with you enter the room? I mean bathroom breaks are rarely a solo trip, but when I put on my makeup, or her Dad brushes his beard, she watches in fascination. 

Your little one’s brain is primed and ready to learn from the very beginning. The first smile, laugh and purposeful tickle to your face – they’ve learnt it all from you. Don’t forget natural curiosity!

Show your babe how it’s done. 

Let them see how you brush the backs of your teeth, how you massage your gums and brush your tongue. Let them see the smile on your face as you catch their eye before you spit, wash and rinse. 

You have a captive audience, so lead by example. Interact throughout the whole process – finish by asking them if you’ve done a good job.

Become the guinea pig

Children really are a marvel. The way they see and interact with their surroundings is a joy to watch; how they brush their doll’s hair, cuddle their favourite toy and make pillow castles. You are also part of that world. 

Remember, with great sacrifice comes victory. Let your child brush your teeth! You can offer helpful tips along the way, and when you’re done, you can let them know how well they’ve done too! 

Be playful and smiling throughout, and your child can share in your toothbrushing joy. 

Stickers make the world go round

Have you ever witnessed the power of a sticker? It’s like there is nothing better on earth. Rewarding your child for brushing their teeth will make them feel like a superhero. 

As soon as your child recognises the brightly coloured sticker, they will be eating out of your hand in no time. The trick to a healthy routine is all in the reward. 

Going a step further, investing or making a sticker chart will revolutionise your child’s behaviour all around. Stickers are exciting. Getting a new shiny bright mark on a chart each day will be a change for the better—happy child, healthy teeth!

Are you ready to build a healthy brushing habit for your child? You’ve got the motivation, now go for it!