Having a hard time getting your children to brush their teeth regularly? This is a very common problem that dentists hear all the time.
Fortunately, we have some good strategies for helping to establish this very important life long habit.
- Get a head start. The best way for kids to establish tooth brushing as a part of their daily routine is to have them start on their own as early as possible. If you have been brushing your babies new teeth with a soft brush then the feeling of an actual toothbrush in their mouth will not feel too out of place. Give them lots of encouragement and be sure to supervise to ensure they do not swallow too much toothpaste.
- Say yes to screen time. Most parents know that kids love screen time and they love technology. Not all screen time is a bad thing though! There are lots of dental apps on the market designed to demonstrate fun oral health habits for small children. They are game-oriented, interactive and promote healthy brushing. Try Monster Dental Clinic for kids, available for Apple and Android phones.
- It’s all about the swag! Take your child to the store with you so they can help choose the right toothbrush for them. There are many options geared towards children and based on their favorite characters from books and movies. Encouraging them to take ownership in the process helps them feel proud and responsible.
- Sing a Song. It’s not enough to just brush, kids must learn to brush each tooth and spend enough time doing it to make sure that their entire mouth is clean. An easy way to do this is to sing a simple song while your child brushes ensuring that they don’t stop until the song is over. A couple rounds of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star or You Are My Sunshine can never be a bad thing right?
- It’s a family affair. Whenever possible brush at the same time your child is brushing. Children are born mimics and they are more likely to adopt this critical life-long habit if they know you are taking care of your teeth too!
We will also be offering some tips for taking the fear out of dental exams for children very soon! Call our office to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child.
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