They know why dental hygiene is important, but it doesn't make them want to clean their teeth! Dental hygienist Gerald Wennerstrom offers some reassurance.

Raisingkids member's problem
My children - aged 9 and 11 - are very slap-dash about dental hygiene. They try to skip brushing their teeth and they hate flossing. I need to watch them to make sure they clean their teeth, or they will just swallow some toothpaste so their breath smells as if they have brushed! How can I encourage them? They are getting too old for me to stand over them and I want them to learn the habit of of good dental hygiene for its own sake.

Gerald Wennerstrom's reply
From the age of four to five, my eldest son attended class with me during my dental studies. He learned the names of the teeth and even could name the bones of the skull. He was adamant about brushing and flossing, even lecturing his grandparents and friends about good oral care.

From 9 to 12 yrs-old, he forgot what a toothbrush was, let alone flossing. He became slovenly in dress and manners, as your children probably have as well. His lack of dental hygiene was only seconded by his lack of personal hygiene. I also had to stand over him to get him to care for his teeth and even to make sure he wore clean clothes to school.

Then something almost magical happened at the age of 13. He began caring for himself again. Had to have clean clothes, ironed shirts and trousers. Bathing daily, using my razor and my aftershave. The magic came in the form of the opposite sex. I couldn't motivate him, but his hormones could.

Moral of the story, all things in due time. Stand over them and continue to remind them. They've already learned the habit of good dental hygiene for its own sake from you - now just persevere. They're never to old for your loving parental care. All too soon, they will no longer need you to remind them.