Dental hygiene is so important, especially for younger people. Their teeth need to be taken care of in order to prevent gum disease and maintain a healthy-looking smile.
For kids, however, it is hard to get through to them that they are going to regret not wanting to brush and floss when they were young. It is crucial to get them brushing, flossing, and visiting dental offices at a young age so that it becomes a habit.
As a parent, it is necessary to instill the habit of dental health at a young age so that it will become natural to them as they grow up. But sometimes, this is easier said than done.
For those trying to get their kids to brush now, here are some helpful tips on how to get your kid excited about dental hygiene!
Fun Toothbrushes
The go-to move is to buy your child a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character on it (bonus points if it plays music as well).
Your child will enjoy the time spent brushing if they have an Elsa toothbrush singing “Let it Go” to show them how long they should be brushing their teeth for. You may even find yourself dancing along to their Elsa toothbrush.
Brush and Floss Together
Your mini-me surely loves to do anything that you are doing. So, let your kid in on your nightly routine. This will ensure that you can see that they are brushing and flossing properly, and it will also make a routine of regular brushing and flossing.
This is a good opportunity to show them exactly how they should brush. For more brushing and flossing techniques to teach little ones, visit valleyridgedentalcentre.com.
Kids’ Toothpaste
Many children’s aversion to brushing is actually related to the toothpaste that they use. A lot of kids are not a fan of the minty kind that adults typically use, so purchasing a watermelon or bubblegum flavored toothpaste could make them get excited about brushing their teeth.
Books/Videos
Chances are, your kid is hooked on an iPad, so you may as well make them learn something while they watch. There are countless videos on tooth-brushing and even about dental health in general if your child is old enough to understand the health benefits of it.
There are also many books and games that can teach your child about the importance of brushing.
Reward Systems
Like most things, one of the best ways to teach your child to brush their teeth is by setting up a reward system to make them want to do it.
Each night that they brush they can receive a sticker or a magnet and at the end of the week, if they have brushed their teeth two times a day all week, you can reward them with a special treat of your choosing.
Visit the Dentist
This step is probably the trickiest. For many younger kids, the dentist is a strange and noisy place, so it is important to get your child used to the setting before you sit them down in the chair.
A great way to show them that there is nothing to be afraid of is by getting your own teeth checked first and having them watch. When they know what to expect, they will likely be a lot more comfortable with it.
You can even surround the dentist with good things like going out to the park or for a treat after the dentist office.
The Best Way to Get Kids to Brush and Floss? Make it Fun!
Dental hygiene is something that you need to make sure that your child understands. You might have to trick them into brushing with an incentive, or purchase a toothbrush that will drive you crazy after a few weeks of the same song. As long as they are brushing, it’s worth it!
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