Help your children have a healthy smile by making dental hygiene for children fun. Making brushing, flossing and dental check-ups a positive experience can help to keep your child excited about good oral care. You child will not only grow up with a beautiful smile, but also with healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Brush and Floss Together
One way to make your child interested in oral care is to brush and floss together. Kids mimic what their parents do. Show your son or daughter your excellent brushing technique, including your great tongue brushing skills! After brushing, floss your child’s teeth or help them to floss if they are old enough to do it on their own. To give routine brushing an air of excitement, make up a rhyme about keeping teeth clean or sing a fun song.
Fun Toothbrush
Another way to keep your child’s interest alive is with a new, fun toothbrush. When it is time to replace the old toothbrush with a new one, opt for a colourful, soft-bristled brush or one with your child’s favourite cartoon character, princess or superhero.
Keep Track of Time
The American Dental Association advocates brushing for two minutes, twice a day. How do you know that your child is brushing for long enough? Use a two minute sand timer. Let your child flip over their brightly coloured timer and then start brushing.
Special Toothpaste
Your child’s toothpaste can even be amusing. Your 5-year-old may not run to the bathroom to use your minty toothpaste, but he can look forward to a good time cleaning his teeth with a flavoured fluoride toothpaste or one with a special dispenser.
Books and Videos
Check out a children’s book from the library that encourages healthy oral care habits. You can also show your child a fun video about dental hygiene for kids. Stories and videos that are designed for children are great for teaching kids how to take care of their teeth and for making oral health something that they can relate to.
Gold Stars
To make brushing twice a day and flossing more enjoyable, create your own gold star reward system. You and your child can decorate a poster with teeth, toothbrushes, healthy snacks, and other oral health themes to represent the days of the month. Give your child a sticker to put on the poster every time they brush their teeth.
Dentist Visit Surprise
Regular check-ups are another important part of good dental hygiene for kids. Visits to the dentist every six months help to keep your child’s smile sparkling and healthy. Surprise your child after the appointment with some fun family time. Head to the park or plan a picnic with healthy foods for healthy teeth.
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