My son has just been to the dentist and has had 3 large fillings in his front teeth plus he has to go for another one. He does brush his teeth but not as often as he should and sometimes I really have to push him. His teeth are weak to start with and I find it very worrying that he has these problems at such a young age. I just wondered if anyone has experienced the same sort of thing and how you have dealt with it including getting the kids into a strict oral hygene routine.

Thanks

Given that he's now had the unpleasant experience of having had three large fillings he might now be more inclined to take his own oral hygiene more seriously. Persuasion may not be necessary. However, if it is - you might just remind him that if he doesn't brush his teeth he's likely to be back in that dentist's chair in the near future!

Perhaps this is why I'm not a parent...... ;)

Good habits start early and I fear that you may have left it too late to make easy changes.

My kids are younger and don't have a very good grasp of the concept of time so to get them to brush for longer than the once over, I have bought one of those cheap kitchen timers. I set it for 2 minutes and they can't stop brushing until the bleeper goes.

Sweets are strictly limited and fizzy pop is a rare treat.

Also take them to the dentist twice a year to ensure that they get used to going.

Sounds harsh perhaps, but it is the best way to ensure desirable routines that ensure your kids won't have a mouthful of mercury fillings by the time they are teenagers.

My partners son is 4 years old and has the same problem i know it is easier to get a younger child into a hygene routine but thats what it is down to. Make it clear to your son that hygene is important. Some advice the dentist gave to me and my partner was to not buy fizzy pop, sweets or anything like that and onlt give them as a treat.

Maybe buy your child an electric toothbrush, worked with ours the novelty of having a toothbrush that does the work for you seems to make them want to brush their teeth more.:thumbsup:

Thanks for the replies and the good advice especially about the kitchen timer. he ddoed have an electric toothbrush with a timer but isn't too keen on it.