How To Make Brushing Teeth Fun For Your Child
As a parent, your child’s health is your top priority. However, teaching your child the importance of good oral health can be very challenging, especially for young children. For children who are not yet school age or able to tie their own shoelaces, parents and caregivers should be brushing and flossing their children’s teeth. However, it is important to empower your child to actively engage with their oral health as they grow too.
If your children enjoy taking care of their teeth, they are more likely to retain the lessons you are teaching them.Positive reinforcement can be beneficial as it will help your child establish healthy habits.We recommend that your child be seen by a dentist at least twice a year. Pediatric dentists choose to pursue additional education beyond dental school to specialize in the management and treatment of children and their dental needs. If you live in the Bedford, New Hampshire area, our office would be happy to get your children in for an appointment. In the meantime, here are a few ways to help make oral care more fun and engaging for your children.
Fun Ways To Make Brushing Teeth A Habit For Your Child
Make Brushing Teeth A Family Event
One of the best ways to ensure your child is effectively brushing their teeth and having fun is to make teeth brushing a family event. Both morning and night, have your family brush their teeth together so that you can demonstrate both good habits and techniques. For young children, parents should be the ones brushing and flossing the teeth. As children grow and demonstrate independence, a parent can ‘take turns’ with their child in brushing and flossing to ensure that appropriate hygiene is being achieved. Many young children will mimic their parents, so ensure you effectively brush your teeth for 2 minutes and flossing at least once daily. When the whole family is actively engaged, children will begin to build a positive relationship towards their oral health.
Play Music And Make Brushing Teeth Interactive
Playing music while brushing teeth is a great way to add fun to your child’s dental care routine.Select songs that are at least two minutes in length to ensure that enough time is dedicated towards toothbrushing. Let your child pick the song each time they brush their teeth so they can look forward to their next session. Making the session interactive and fun will prepare them to brush their teeth again. And by letting children pick the songs, they can feel a sense of ownership over their oral health.
Give Your Child A Special Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Giving your child a special toothbrush or toothpaste is a way to get them to look forward to brushing their teeth. Many toothpastes are designed with children in mind – opting for ‘tasty’ flavors like bubble gum or strawberry! Creating the option of ‘choice’ is a great way to add fun to the daily routine. A rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste is appropriate for children younger than three years old who cannot spit and pea-sized amount of toothpaste is appropriate for children beyond three years old. A cute toothbrush with their favorite animal or TV show will help their oral hygiene routine seem like an activity to look forward to each and every day!
Contact Lindner Dental Associates For Pediatric Dental Care
If you are looking for tooth brushing tips for your child or want to set up their first appointment,our pediatric dental team is here to help. Our board-certified pediatric dentists are patient andgentle, yet they provide effective dental care for your child. We make your child’s first visit asfun as possible. Our team makes going to the dentist a comfortable and interactive experience.From our jungle-themed waiting room to our welcoming dental operatories, your child will findthe dentist to be a fun place they will want to return to time and time again at Lindner Dental.Schedule an appointment today at 603-624-3900.