From helping your children tie their shoes to helping them brush their teeth, you have a host of day-to-day tasks to take on as a parent. While some of these obligations may seem very simple on the surface, every parent with a toddler knows how difficult the little things can become. Fortunately, today the friendly dentists from Oahu Dental Care in Pearl City and Honolulu, HI, will explain how to simplify your teeth brushing routine and help your toddler build a strong, beautiful smile.

At this age, your child is really too young to do a thorough job of teeth brushing. While handing off the toothbrush to your toddler every now and again is an excellent way to begin showing your child the ropes, it’s vital that you also get in there and tackle the bacteria yourself. If your child tends to lash out during this daily routine, then perhaps it’s time to make oral care a little more exciting. How? Start by heading to the store with your toddler. Go to the dental care aisle and allow your child to select a toothbrush—from princesses to superheroes, there are a myriad of kid-friendly toothbrushes that may entice your little one. Next, pick out a fun, child-friendly toothpaste. How about watermelon? Since many children find the taste of traditional mint toothpastes too severe, a new flavor might help make the experience easier.

Now, it’s time to head to the sink and begin. Take it from your local dentists: for best results, don’t attempt this task right when your child wakes up and is still sleepy, or right before bedtime when he or she is likely to be cranky. Instead, do it when your child’s in excellent spirits, such as right before he or she gets to read a bedtime story or watch a favorite show. After breakfast is another suitable time. Put a tiny dollop of toothpaste on the brush, which you should hold at an angle. To boost comfort, sit together in a chair or hold your child in your lap. Slowly brush the insides, tops, and outside of the teeth. Brush the tongue lightly, but make sure your toddler doesn’t swallow any toothpaste. After a couple minutes of brushing, help your child rinse out the mouth and spit into the sink. Congratulate your child on a job well done!

To keep your child’s smile healthy and bright, enlist orthodontic and dental help from Oahu’s favorite general and cosmetic dentistry. For more information about how Oahu Dental Care can serve your family, call today at (808) 456-5005 or visit the website.