Did you have good dental habits as a kid? If you’re not sure, take a look at your mouth. How many dental issues are you dealing with presently? Establishing healthy dental habits early on helps set kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you have kids, you might feel defeated when it comes to brushing and flossing time. However, you don’t have to! In this article, we are going to share kids oral hygiene tips in order to make your life easier.
Make Brushing and Flossing Fun
Who doesn’t love using a fun toothbrush or flavored toothpaste? Cartoon characters, bright colors, and delectable flavors can enhance a child’s daily dental routine, making it more appealing! Not to mention, applications that provide timers and music can “pump up the volume” offering an interactive experience and increase the excitement. In the end, if brushing games for kids can associate their dental hygiene with fun, flossing and brushing will become much more enjoyable for everyone.
Lead by Example
If you have a healthy dental care routine, most likely your parents were outstanding role models in this department. Afterall, if parents model proper dental techniques and encourage fun routines, these important actions will positively influence their children. No doubt! What we mean is that actively brushing your teeth alongside your child is imperative, as well as scheduling regular dental checkups. Cheers to kids’ oral hygiene tips! You got this!
Establish a Routine
There are some non-negotiables when it comes to taking care of your pearly whites and consistency is key! Brushing twice daily and flossing religiously are extremely important. Mouthwash should be incorporated into your routine as well! And remember to mark your calendar with those regular dental check-ups. Neglecting to enforce these practices can cause a myriad of problems down the line including bad breath and tooth loss. So, let’s continue diving into the rest of our tips in order to pronounce upon optimal oral care!
Educate Them on the “Why”
Have you ever role-played a dental visit before? If not, kids love role playing and this is a great starting point! You can take turns acting as the dentist and the patient at a typical appointment. You can also educate them on why dental care is important through children’s books about teeth. Visual aids, storytellings, and creating a “tooth fairy” routine can make dental hygiene feel like a thrilling adventure! Making up brushing dances or creating a special pillow/box for lost teeth can also enhance the learning experience. You can even use stickers or a chart to track brushing progress and offer small rewards for consistency!
Reward Good Habits
As mentioned above, a progress chart for positive reinforcement can be very helpful. Stickers and fun outings can be included in your rewards system simply. Also, non-food rewards are emphasized! However, some parents do vote to offer special treats sparingly. Extra playtime and favorite movie nights might be other examples of rewarding your child for outstanding dental hygiene habits.
Fortunately, these rewards will continue to motivate your child to formulate habits that will benefit them through adulthood!
Bright Smiles Start Today!
Kids’ oral hygiene tips are here to save the day! We hope that this article has opened your eyes to a multitude of ideas offering you long term dental solutions. Brushing and flossing can actually be engaging and enjoyable when taught through fun activities. Establishing routines, facilitating information in creative ways, and developing rewards is all a part of this process. And parents, it’s not just up to you! If you’re looking for a kids dentist near Crest Hill, we can help reinforce these habits as well! With that being said, we encourage you to schedule your child’s next check up and look forward to seeing you soon!
