Teaching kids to care for their teeth doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact, with the right approach, dental care can become not just a tolerable, but a fun part of their daily routine! And of course, there’s a great deal of importance to this – a healthy smile early on will set your little one up for a lifetime of great oral health. With that in mind, here are a few must-know tips that are certain to help make brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits more enjoyable for kids.
1. Make Brushing & Flossing Fun for Kids
Kids love games, so why not make brushing and flossing into fun activities? Using a timer and challenging them to brush until the buzzer goes off two minutes later can motivate them to brush the entirety of their mouth and help them get accustomed to the habit. Likewise, you might even set up a reward system to help encourage consistency; every time they brush or floss, reward them with a sticker, and when they collect enough stickers, give them a prize!
2. Help Your Child Feel Comfortable at the Dental Office
A trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary at all – in fact, it’s quite the opposite once you know what to expect. Prepare your child for their visit by explaining what will happen in a positive way, using kid-friendly language, and avoiding words that might alarm them. Also, mention how many offices have kid-friendly designs and amenities – and if they have an online tour, show your child some pictures to excite them! After the visit, it also never hurts to treat your child to a fun activity to celebrate their bravery.
3. Let Them Pick Their Tools at Home
Allowing your child to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste can also make a difference in how they view dental care, as they will feel a sense of ownership and autonomy over their own smile’s wellness. Look for toothbrushes featuring their favorite characters, ones that light up or play music, or even electric ones that thoroughly yet gently tend to their tiny teeth. Likewise, flavored toothpastes and flosses can also be exciting for kids.
Don’t forget to lead by example, either – if they see you brushing alongside them, they’ll feel motivated to join in and do a good job! Good dental habits start early, and by making the experience fun, you’re setting your child up for a literal lifetime of happy, healthy smiling.
About the Practice
Here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’ve proudly served the needs of families in Randolph for several years under the leadership of Dr. Sam Alkhoury, Dr. Myles Clancy, Dr. Anna Simon, and Dr. Mina Schafft. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your child, please visit our website or reach out by phone for more information or assistance. Telephone: (781) 767-7200.