Remember how difficult it was to get your toddlers to brush
their teeth? The good news is you’re now well-trained in encouraging healthy
habits. The bad news is that getting tweens and teens to brush every day can be
even more difficult. Teens who fail to brush regularly set themselves up for a
lifetime pattern of dental neglect. That’s why it’s important to continue
encouraging your older kids to take care of their oral health.
Children who are susceptible to gum disease and cavities
often start seeing problems when they hit puberty as habits begin to slip. A
recent Gallup
survey found that a whopping 34 percent of teens only brush their teeth
once a day, although the American Dental Association recommends brushing your
teeth at least twice a day.
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| Image Source: Gallup |
Get your tweens and teens back on track by following these
easy tips:
·
Avoid being too pushy, which can make your
children less likely to brush
·
Incorporate positive forms of reinforcement and
reward your teens for taking care of their oral hygiene
·
Do not use a visit to the dentist as a
punishment, as it can create fear and dread
·
Practice good dental health habits to lead by
example
How do you get your tweens and teens to brush their teeth
twice a day? Tweet us your ideas @AM_pediatric.
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