Although practicing healthy at-home dental hygiene habits is essential for kids to build strong, beautiful smiles, many parents struggle with getting them to brush or floss. That means you’re not alone if your little one digs in their heels when it’s time to clean their teeth.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can further engage them in the process, helping them develop more consistent habits that will serve them throughout their lives. Continue reading to learn about 3 fun tips that can make dental hygiene more fun for your child!
Tip #1: Incorporate Music
Many children respond better to music, rhythms, and rhymes than to direct commands or directions. If you’re trying to convince them to head to the bathroom to brush and floss, but they’re dragging their feet, they might be more inclined to complete their routine if it involves sound.
For instance, you can play or sing their favorite song to them while they scrub their enamel. They might stomp their feet or swing their hips to the beat, distracting themselves from the ‘chore’ of cleaning their mouth. As an added benefit, this can also help ensure they brush their teeth for the full 2 minutes recommended by the American Dental Association.
Tip #2: Let Them Have a Say
A lot of kids resist anything they consider boring or mundane, including cleaning their teeth and gums, because they resent having no say in the matter. Plenty of children respond better when they feel they have a choice in what they do, but you don’t want to let them opt out of developing consistent oral hygiene habits.
One way to help them feel more in control of their routine is to give them a say in the types of products they use. For instance, why not take them shopping and let them choose their own toothbrush or toothpaste flavor? There are a variety of products designed for children, so it’s usually not hard to find suitable choices at your local store or pharmacy.
Tip #3: Reward Positive Behavior
Another way many parents successfully encourage their children to develop positive dental hygiene practices is by setting up an age-appropriate reward system. For instance, you can print a chart or calendar and place stickers or stars on the days they brush and floss their teeth, both in the morning and at night.
Then, once they reach the pre-designated number of stars or stickers, you can give them a prize so they feel proud of their accomplishment, which can help them maintain these healthy habits. Keep in mind that you might want to steer clear of food-related rewards, like candy, which can contradict the lessons they’re learning about building and maintaining a happy smile.
If you have additional questions about your child’s oral hygiene habits or current dental condition, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with their pediatric dentist!
About the Practice
At All About Kids Dentistry, children benefit from a team of dental experts who are passionate about helping kids build and maintain the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their still-developing smiles. Our board-certified experts collaborate to provide a complete menu of services to meet your kid’s unique needs at one family-friendly location. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (847) 870-0475.