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Taking care of your child’s teeth is very important. Good oral health helps kids eat, speak, and smile with confidence. If children learn healthy habits early, they are more likely to have strong teeth and gums as they grow up. TV actress Kishwer Merchant recently shared how she and her husband make brushing fun for their son, Nirvair, who is three years old. Their family’s routine shows that parents can play a big role in teaching kids about oral hygiene. To know more about how parents can improve the oral health of their kids, we reached out to Dr Sonakshi Sachdeva Babbar, Dental Surgeon, Smiline Dental Clinic, Delhi, who shared a few tips that can help.
Making Brushing a Family Activity![1 - 2025-06-24T144945.799]( "kishwer merchant")
At a recent event, Kishwer Merchant talked about her family’s brushing routine. Every morning and night, Kishwer, her husband Suyyash Rai, and their son Nirvair brush their teeth together. Kishwer believes that kids learn best by watching their parents. By brushing as a family, they show Nirvair that oral hygiene is important for everyone.
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Turning Brushing Into a Fun Competition
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Kishwer shared a simple trick to keep Nirvair excited about brushing. They turn it into a friendly competition to see who finishes brushing first. This makes the routine fun, but Kishwer also makes sure that Nirvair brushes properly and does not rush. She says, “We always check if he has cleaned every tooth. It’s not just about winning, but about brushing well.”
Superhero Brushes For The Kids![2 - 2025-06-24T144949.889]( "kishwer merchant baby oral care")
To make brushing even more interesting, Nirvair uses a superhero-themed toothbrush. They have Superman and Batman toothbrushes. Kids at his age love superheroes, and having a fun toothbrush makes them look forward to brushing time. Kishwer says that Nirvair is always excited to use his superhero brush, and it helps him enjoy the routine even more.
Tips for Parents to Improve Kids’ Gum Health![3 - 2025-06-24T144952.177]( "oral care tips")
Gum health is essential for a lifetime of healthy smiles. By starting early, building good habits, and staying consistent, parents can set their children up for strong, healthy gums and teeth. Dr Sonakshi Sachdeva shares a few tips that parents must need to note to improve the gum health of their kids. Here are some simple, effective ways parents can support their children's gum health
- Start Early With Oral Care: Begin cleaning your baby’s gums even before teeth erupt using a soft, damp cloth or a silicone finger brush. Once teeth appear, brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Make Dental Visits Routine: Schedule regular dental checkups every 6 months starting at age 1 or when the first tooth comes in.
- Lead by Example: Kids learn by watching! Brush together to show that gum care is a lifelong habit.
- Make Oral Hygiene Fun: Use apps, songs to make brushing enjoyable. Let kids pick their toothbrush and toothpaste flavours by using brushes with animated characters, etc. Create a Weekly Brushing Chart or Reward System. Role-play dental visits by incorporating oral health education into playtime
- Choose a Balanced Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which feed plaque bacteria. Offer foods rich in vitamin C (like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers) to support gum tissue health.
- Encourage Chewing Crunchy Fruits & Veggies: Foods like apples, carrots naturally help clean teeth and massage gums.
Conclusion
Kishwer Merchant’s family routine shows that brushing teeth does not have to be boring. By making it a fun and shared activity, parents can help their children build strong oral hygiene habits. Simple tricks like competitions and superhero brushes can make a big difference in keeping kids’ gums and teeth healthy. Starting these habits early will help children enjoy healthy smiles for years to come.