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Tooth Brushing
No Job for a Kid! By Wes Andrues
It's an investment of time and effort, but it's results-oriented and it teaches the children how to take charge of their own teeth. "The kids' favorite moment is showing off their final product with huge smiles," says Bachansingh.
Once children have developed the wherewithal and manual dexterity to brush their own teeth, it stands to reason they still can't be left entirely on their own. While they may, by definition, be brushing, Dr. Lasser stresses that parents should still be vigilant. Between visits to the dentist, one way to police the mouth is through the use of disclosing tablets, an off-the-shelf product that, when chewed, will show bright red patches in the areas where the child's toothbrush missed.
In the end, Dr. Lasser says the most important thing a parent can do when it comes to oral hygiene is to teach the child what a clean mouth feels like. It is not enough to merely brush for them. Children should gradually come to understand that brushing is a lifelong habit. Instilling diligence and self-discipline is difficult, especially when the consequences of poor brushing are not immediately felt. "I've seen too many cases where the parent became lax about brushing," he says. "It's human nature to avoid the kind of conflict that comes with brushing, but over time, bad habits will take their toll."
The great balancing act of parenting is determining just how much freedom to give a child. When it comes to taking care of their teeth, however, the answer is easy. It is the parent's job to do, to teach and to remain watchful, and as much as children may fight it, they will be ultimately grateful for the effort invested in their smile.