As a parent, we know you have a lot of responsibilities. When it comes to getting your child to brush his or her teeth, the task can be daunting. However, there are some things you can do (with a little effort) to ensure your child’s oral hygiene routine is fun instead of a burden. Remember that by making dental care positive and rewarding for your child at a young age, you will foster strong dental habits in the future and help them avoid disruptive complications. A healthy mouth is a healthier body and better life!
By the time you start bedtime routines with your small children, it can tempting to just rush through the tooth brushing task in an effort to get to story time and lights out. However, this is a critical step in your child’s oral health and one that you shouldn’t take lightly. Until your child has enough dexterity to brush effectively, make sure you do the task for them.
It is recommended that your child brush with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day. Two minutes can seem like an eternity to a child. But here are some ideas to make the experience something your child looks forward to:
Get An App: There are countless dental apps you can choose from that provide a timer for brushing teeth and creatively teach your why it is important to clean their teeth and gums each day.
Sing A Song: Does your child have a favorite song? Make it a tradition to sing that song each time they brush their teeth to make the 2 minutes fly by.
Consider a Reward: Many children are motivated by rewards or prizes. Once they brush for the full two minutes, twice a day for a whole week, let them pick a special treat – preferably not candy!
Be A Model: Make sure you child sees you brushing and flossing each night. This can have far more influence than any other tactic you use.
Use your imagination and get creative when it comes to your child’s dental care regime. Your extra effort will produce a major reward in helping your child want to care for their smile. Always take opportunities to educate them on why brushing is important! At Basin Dentistry, we specialize in pediatric dentistry and we love helping children establish healthy dental habits at home so that they benefit from a strong, confident smile as they grow.
Posted on behalf of Basin Dentistry