One of the biggest responsibilities of parents and guardians is helping their child(ren) learn healthy habits that will set them up for success later in life, and their smile is no exception. For instance, you help them brush and floss their teeth when they’re too small to do it themselves and then teach them how to take over the task once they’re older.
Unfortunately, many children avoid brushing and flossing their teeth consistently, which can potentially harm their grins. If plaque and bacteria aren’t regularly removed, they can flourish and contribute to cavities, gum disease, and other oral issues. Continue reading to learn 3 helpful hints that might motivate your little one to keep their mouth clean!
Tip #1: Add Entertainment
Kids tend to avoid tasks that take time or feel like a chore, and their daily dental hygiene routine may regrettably fall into this category. You can encourage more active participation by introducing elements of fun.
For instance, you can put together a playlist of some of their favorite tunes and have a dance party while they brush, which can help them scrub their pearly whites for the full two minutes, as recommended. You can also invent games or stories involving clean teeth to save the day- like aliens invaded Planet Mouth, and only brushing and flossing can send them to their home world. Use your imagination and don’t be afraid to think outside of the box!
Tip #2: Set an Alarm
Most children are more likely to engage in activities that are a part of their regular routine because those tasks become familiar and comfortable. That means you might help your little one clean their mouth more easily by beginning their dental hygiene routine at the same time every morning and evening.
Time flies when your hands are full, and if you are somewhat absent-minded yourself, you might forget to remind your kid when it’s time to get started. Setting an alarm on your clock or phone that’s set to repeat for the same time each day can help you and your family stay on track with your positive habits.
Tip #3: Let Them Choose
Another way to encourage rebellious or hesitant children to scrub their teeth regularly is by letting them have a say in how it’s done. Kids tend to live highly structured lives between school, extracurricular activities, and homework or other chores they must complete at home. If they’re digging their heels in and don’t want to be told what to do, why not give them control of certain factors?
For example, you can take them to the store to pick out their very own toothbrush in their favorite color or with their favorite TV or movie character. There are so many choices that they’re sure to find one they can enjoy. You can also let them choose a kid-friendly toothpaste in a flavor that’s easy on sensitive tastebuds, like cotton candy or strawberry.
If these ideas don’t work for your family, don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and use your imagination to come up with a few of your own!
About the Practice
At Sheer Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, your child benefits from two board-certified experts who are committed to guiding still-developing grins. Dr. Sage Yoo and Dr. Justin Chan are valued members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, among many other prestigious organizations, so you can trust that your little one is in good hands. They provide a wide array of services to patients from 0 to 18 years old and are experienced in working with children with unique needs. If you’re worried about cavities or gum disease, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 987-0787.
