For those of you who have children, then I’m sure you understand the, “Brush your teeth” battle. You know…it’s that battle when it’s time for your child to brush their teeth, but for whatever reason they just don’t want to do it. Sometimes, especially when you are dealing with an almost 3 year old toddler, their stubbornness during this battle just makes you want to throw down the toothbrush and surrender. That’s when us parents have to become strong because teaching our children how to brush their teeth properly at an early age is one of the most important oral health habits that we can pass along to them.
I try to encourage my daughter to brush her teeth at least twice a day. I also allow her to brush her own teeth as I verbally guide her through it on where to brush. Then I tell her that it’s mama’s turn, and I then go on to continue brushing my daughter’s teeth just to make sure that they have been brushed properly.
I find it important to allow my daughter to brush her own teeth first because I think it’s a good way for her to not only learn how to brush her own teeth the correct way, but to also learn how to take responsibility for her own oral health.
It’s not always easy to get my daughter to brush her teeth though, and sometimes it can even lead to temper tantrums. However, I know I can’t get lazy about it or discouraged when she doesn’t want to do it because in the end oral health is extremely important.
A recent national survey led by the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and sponsored by Crest and Oral-B found that, when compared to the general population, many Hispanics in the U.S. are facing barriers to achieving better oral health. As a matter of fact 67% of US Hispanics rate their overall oral health as “excellent or good”….yet two-thirds have experienced at least one oral health issue in the past year.
I absolutely don’t want my daughter to fall into this statistic and face any barriers when it comes to her oral health, that is why I choose to continue the, “Brush your teeth,” battle with her. Believe me once she gets a little older we will be having the “floss your teeth,” battle too. I want to protect this adorable smile.
Hispanics Open Up About Oral Health Care In This Brochure!
To get more information on this important survey visit www.crestcomplete.com/study
Disclosure: I wrote this post while participating in a compensated campaign with Procter & Gamble and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
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