Teaching spitting during toothbrushing
Learning to spit is important as children transit to fluoride containing toothpastes. Parents can start practising around the age of 2 years. Not sure how? Here are some tricks from a paediatric dentist!
Strategy 1
Sometimes children don’t realise that spitting is part of the brushing process. Demonstrate and let them link the 2 actions together. Demonstrate how you rinse and spit when you brush your own teeth. Kids are really good at watching and learning. This could be all your child needs to get going.
Strategy 2
Kids have started to learn some simple numbers eg 1, 2, 3… Have your child practise saying “two!” This allows the mouth to form the right shape naturally for the spit to happen.
(Secret tip : For train lovers, you can also make them go “Choo Choo choooo!” Works just the same)
Strategy 3
Kids love to have fun! Put a sticker or toy target in the sink for them to spit at/ knock over.
Strategy 4
Don’t underestimate what kids can comprehend! Explaining the why (we need to spit) to kids can motivate them to not swallow the toothpaste. See slides for ways to explain in a fun 2 year old manner!
Found this useful? Please share this with your friends. Any other tricks that worked for you? We’d love to hear those too!
#myfirstdentistsg #kidsdentist #paediatricdentist #drpaulinelee #drtabithachng #sgmums #sgmummybloggers #sgdads #sgparents #sgkids #sgbaby #singaporeparent #sgexpat #expatkids #allkidsdeserveagoodsmile @myfirstdentistsg
First appeared on Instagram @the.mummydentist ( Read it here https://shorturl.at/rCEY1 )
Disclaimer: The views expressed here represent the opinions of the author and are do not reflect the views of opinions of My First Dentist. The contents of this website are meant purely for informational and educational purposes only. The website is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or professional care. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult a doctor or a qualified healthcare provider. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.