Updated: 2/21/2020
Attention Moms – We have some great news for you! Here at 1Dental, we’re working on an exciting project:
The Mom’s Guide to Little Teeth
This helpful guide has plenty of ideas, information and resources for helping your kids have healthy mouths. It features:
- Advice from some of your favorite Mom Bloggers
- Helpful hints straight from leading dentists
- Age-specific information to walk you through the years with your children.
Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, this guide is chock-full of practical ideas. We haven’t unveiled it yet, but we wanted to give you a taste of what’s to come by featuring some advice and helpful tips from several Mom Bloggers around the country.
I had the privilege of interviewing the wonderful DeeDee from the Fiddledeedee blog, and she shared how she has been teaching and encouraging her kids in their dental health.
What have you done to teach your kids how to brush their teeth?
I use the “count to 20” rule of thumb. I have them start on the upper left, count to 20, move to the lower left, count to 20, upper right, lower right, and then the important teeth that show in the front, count to 20. As a homeschool mom, a bonus to this method is that my kids could count to 20 before Kindergarten. :) I have to admit that they have perfected the art of “speed counting” to get the job done more quickly.
What helpful tips would you give to other moms?
We’re big on twice-yearly cleanings at the dentist. The dentist usually does a good job of telling them the importance of flossing and proper brushing, to avoid the dreaded cavity. And a large man in a white lab coat comes closer to getting their attention than I would.
How do you encourage your kids to take care of their teeth?
They know that part of their morning chores is to brush after breakfast, and they must brush before bedtime. I make it a point to hover nearby, so that I can threaten, er, um, I mean encourage them to get the job done right.
What would you personally like to know about your kids’ dental health?
I would love to know the importance of fluoride in a child’s dental health. I’ve read a number of conflicting reports regarding fluoride being a danger if swallowed.
We’ll be answering this and plenty of other questions in the Mom’s Guide to Little Teeth.
What would YOU like to know about dental health for kids?
Let us know your questions, and we’ll do our best to address them in the Mom’s Guide!
Can’t wait to see the next guide. When it comes to my kids it’s always a battle to get them to brush there teeth.
Excellent guide…
I show this blog to my wife and we read it together. She likes to “count to 20” because we are sure the children brush their teeth thoroughly with this way.
I also always make the rules for my kids. They should brush their teeth every after breakfast and before bed. I also invite them to the dentist every 6 months.
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The ‘count to 20’ rule is a great idea. My son definitely doesn’t brush that long. He too insists on brushing before bed because he’s afraid to get a cavity :).
I do the “count to 20” myself, but for some reason I don’t do that when I brush my kids’ teeth. One funny thing that has gotten my daughter motivated to brush her teeth well: my husband googled pictures of rotten teeth to show her. Even if we come home late and she’s half asleep she insists on having her teeth brushed!
Emily, my husband suggested this as well but I just haven’t done it yet. Sounds like he was on to something!
Another question for the Mom blog – at what age do children finally have all their teeth in? Is my almost 4 year old set or will there be more? Doesn’t look like there’s much room in his mouth.
I’m really looking forward to reading the Mom’s Guide to Little Teeth. I’m always looking for good advice on taking care of my kids’ teeth. I should probably start counting with my kids because I don’t think we’re brushing long enough!
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Haha DeeDee is so funny! And what great advice. I’m excited to read The Mom’s Guide to Little Teeth when it’s out!
Great ideas, DeeDee! I think the “count to 20” is a great rule to go by in order to make sure your children are brushing extra well. Keep up the good work!