Good brushing, flossing and rinsing habits are not always something that comes naturally or without a struggle. Even though they still have their baby teeth now, the habits they develop early in life will forge their routine for the rest of their lives. Here are some handy tips to help ensure your child’s dental health stays in great shape well into adulthood.
Make it fun
One way to encourage kids to brush is to liven up the experience by incorporating bright and colorful toothbrushes or ones that have pictures of their favorite cartoon or other characters. By personalizing the experience and incorporating colors and entertainment, they are more likely to enjoy brushing and continue to do it on their own.
Don’t make it a chore
As much as you want to encourage your kids to regularly brush, you don’t want to force it upon them and make it seem like a tedious chore. Children are often rebellious, and if something seems like they’re being made to do it, they’ll want to do it even less. Encourage your son or daughter to regularly brush, but give them some freedom in the morning and evening schedule to allow them to brush on their own.
Be modern
Another way to make cleaning teeth appealing to kids is to liven it up with modern implements. Today’s children are growing up in an electronic and digital world, so try appealing to their contemporary lifestyle by using modern home dental implements like an electric toothbrush or a water pique. Both are great options to keep teeth looking and feeling clean, and offer more interaction than a stationary brush or strand of floss.
Sing a song
To ensure that brushing reaches all the areas of the mouth and that they’ve brushed for long enough a time, try using a bit of music to keep time. This can be an old traditional song like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or something more modern that is catchy and keeps their interest. Brushing should typically last for at least 2 minutes, so pick a song they like and will last for the full time (or can be resung to make up any difference).
Lead by example
Lastly, children love to mimic their parents, and if they see your brushing habits as part of your daily routine, they’ll be inspired to incorporate it into their daily regimen. Brushing with your kids creates a shared experience, and allows younger children to see how it’s done. It’s also a good way for you to show them how to brush properly, and even let you brush their teeth – or vice versa – to practice their skills. Plus, it guarantees that you get your daily brushings in too!
We love children at Genesee Dental, and we’re sure to love yours! Let’s work together to make sure your child’s smile stays bright. Give us a call today or schedule an appointment online.