Signs Your Child Is Not Brushing Their Teeth Properly

If you want to teach your child some responsibility, one of the things you will want your child to be able to do on their own is to brush their teeth. Your child will, at some point, be brushing their teeth on their own without you hovering over them and watching them do this task. When your child begins to brush on their own, however, they may not be doing it as well as you would want them to. Short of watching them again, there are signs to watch for that may indicate that they are not doing a very good job. Read on for a few signs that your child is not brushing properly.

Their Toothbrush Bristles Are Flat

If your child's toothbrush looks like they've been scrubbing a hard surface for days since the bristles are flattened against the back of the toothbrush, it means they are brushing too hard and possibly not removing plaque. If your child is brushing too hard, they could also be damaging their teeth. Brushing too harshly could cause damage to the enamel on their teeth. Give your child a soft-bristle toothbrush and tell them not to brush too harshly. Tell them to brush in small circles and to apply only small amounts of pressure.

Their Teeth Are Stained

If your child's teeth are stained yellow, it's more than likely because they are not brushing properly. You may need to go over brushing with your child again to be sure they are doing it properly and for long enough. Some children like to brush too quickly to just get it done, which makes them miss a lot of their teeth. You can give your child a spin brush rather than a traditional toothbrush, which may be more fun to brush with and they may be more likely to use it properly. A spinning brush will also do the spinning motion for them so they don't have to.

Their Gums Bleed

If your child's gums bleed easily or they appear red or inflamed, it's because they are not brushing or taking care of their gums. They should be brushing their teeth and gums. You need to be sure you teach your child about brushing their gums, as well as flossing them. Your child should be flossing each day. You can give them floss picks to help get them to floss daily since these are easier to use than traditional dental floss.

If your child is not brushing their teeth properly, there are signs to watch out for. Talk to your family dentistry clinic about other ways to monitor your child's brushing habits. Teach your child good dental habits to prevent poor dental health.