Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for children, though getting them to brush consistently and floss can be difficult. Kids may not see the value in these tasks or enjoy the process. However, there are ways parents can approach these duties positively. With some creativity, brushing and flossing can become an engaging routine rather than a chore.
6 Tips to Make Oral Hygiene Fun for Your Child:
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Play their favourite song
Have your child brush their teeth while playing their favourite song to make the process more enjoyable. Not only will they get to listen to their favourite music, but they can also brush for the duration of the song, ensuring they brush for the appropriate amount of time. Music instantly makes the process more fun, and kids will have a little song party while brushing their teeth (and may not even realize they are completing their oral hygiene routine!)
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Do it as a family
Make the nightly oral hygiene routine a family activity. Kids love to mimic their parents. So, you can set a great example by brushing alongside your child. When kids see their parents brushing and flossing, they will want to do it, too. You can complete this task as a family to make it more enjoyable and less of a chore.
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Offer rewards for a job well done
If your child needs a bit of encouragement, you can offer little rewards. This does not have to be anything extravagant and can be as simple as staying up ten minutes later than their regular bedtime. It can also be reading one extra story or anything else you can think of to encourage your child and make brushing a little more fun. Kids are not hard to please; little things excite them and get them to brush and floss.
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Purchase fun supplies
Let your child come with you to the store to pick up their toothbrush and toothpaste. They will have fun in this aisle. When they feel involved, they will want to be part of the process and will brush and floss more willingly. Many kid-friendly products can excite children about their oral hygiene routine. They can pick a toothbrush with their favourite character, for example.
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Create a fun brushing chart
Creating an interactive brushing chart is a fun and creative way to get your child excited about brushing their teeth. Using stickers, place this chart over the bathroom sink and track your child’s progress. You can offer fun rewards when a certain goal is reached, and you can create this fun family tradition your children will remember for many years.
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Make trips to the dentist fun
Going to the dentist can be very intimidating for a child, and it’s natural for them to feel scared or overwhelmed. Conversations about the dentist are very important because your child will know what to expect and why these appointments are important. You can read fun children’s books about going to the dentist and even offer to go somewhere fun after their visit. Perhaps a trip to the zoo or a family outing to your neighbourhood park? This will make it easier for your child to go to the dentist because they will look forward to the activity afterwards.
Oral Hygiene and Kids
The sooner a child learns how to brush and floss their teeth properly, the better they will care for their oral health. Additionally, they will have a better chance of avoiding cavities, gingivitis and other tooth and gum-related issues. This is why dentists recommend teaching kids about good oral hygiene from a young age.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must, as is visiting a pediatric dentist regularly. The right steps can give your kids a lifetime of great oral hygiene!
Choose Brookside Family Dental Today!
Are you looking for a friendly dentist in Chatham or Leamington who has experience with kids? Brookside Family Dental accepts patients of all ages, and we provide our patients with a warm and inviting environment to ensure comfort. We will discuss the importance of proper oral hygiene habits and answer all your dental health questions.
Whether you need a professional cleaning or an emergency dentist, our clinic can help, and you can contact our dental office at any time to schedule your next appointment!
