A common problem faced by many parents and caregivers is getting their child to brush their teeth regularly. It can be difficult for a child to brush their teeth, especially if they find it boring. However, regular brushing is of paramount importance for maintaining good oral health. Here are a few tips to encourage your kids to brush their teeth.
- Reward chart
A reward system is a great way to encourage your child to take care of their teeth. Set up a simple chart where they can mark off each time they brush and floss, and then they can work toward earning certain rewards. It can be something simple like a trip to the park or a movie date with you. Just make sure you’re not giving your son or daughter unhealthy treats when they successfully finish brushing and flossing. Consider giving them a piece of fruit or some sugar-free gum instead.
You can also set them up with a sticker chart where they can put a sticker on each time they take care of their teeth. They can get a small prize at the end of the day if they complete all of their sticker tasks.
- Choose a toothbrush your child can get excited about
Children love having their favorite characters on their toothbrushes. Having a favorite figure on the brush will make brushing more fun and help your kid look forward to cleaning their teeth. Popular choices include superheroes, Disney princesses, Princess Sofia the First, Sesame Street’s Elmo or Cookie Monster, and characters from Frozen, Star Wars, and other favorite children’s movies.
You can even get your child excited about flossing by letting them pick their own flossers. Let them choose from animal shapes, bright colors, and more. You can also have your child pick out your mouthwash flavor. If they like minty flavors, have them choose peppermint mouthwash. If they prefer fruity flavors, they can choose a fruit-flavored mouthwash.
The more excited your child is about taking care of their oral health, the more likely they are to follow through with daily dental care habits. This will help them develop healthy teeth and gums throughout their life.
- Consider an oral hygiene app
Kids love using technology, so incorporating electronic toothbrushes and apps can be a great motivational tool. Look for apps that let kids earn rewards or badges for brushing their teeth. Some apps even send reminders when it’s time for your child to brush! Be sure to choose an app that offers educational information, too.
- Play games while brushing
Your child may enjoy playing a fun game or singing a song while they brush their teeth. Try to make it enjoyable for them, not a chore. Brushing should be a habit they look forward to every day!
- Give proper oral hygiene education
While your child may be tempted to skip brushing their teeth, it’s important to set aside proper time to brush each day. Teach them about the consequences of skipping brushings, such as cavities and bad breath. Explain to them that with proper care, they can enjoy healthy teeth for life.
- Set good examples
One of the most important factors is modeling good oral hygiene for your child. If your child sees you brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, it can help them get into the habit of taking care of their own teeth. You can also set a timer when you’re brushing so that they know exactly how long to spend on each quadrant of their mouth. When they’re old enough, let them try brushing on their own while you supervise them. You can make sure they’re doing a thorough job and give them pointers on getting every surface of their teeth clean.
To take care of your child’s oral health, contact Grant Gerety, DDS, at Warren Clinic Bldg # 7, 4606 E. 67th St., Suite 310, Tulsa, OK 74136. Call us at (918) 493-3031 to book an appointment.
