It’s never too early to start teaching kids about the importance of taking care of their oral health. The sooner you start, the more likely they will develop good habits that will last a lifetime.
Here are five tips to help motivate your kids to care for their teeth and gums!
1. Make Brushing and Flossing Fun
Brushing and flossing are essential oral care activities for anyone, particularly kids. After eating, brushing helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria that accumulate on the teeth. Flossing, meanwhile, cleans those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth where brushing can’t reach.
However, these aren’t the most fun things to do for children. To motivate them to brush and floss, you can use a timer. This timer will make brushing and flossing more of a game for them as they race against the clock to finish. You can also make it into a competition between siblings or friends.
Using flavored toothpaste and dental floss is another way to make brushing and floss fun. Numerous toothpaste flavors are available in the market these days, so get your kid one they will love.
For flossing, you can make it easier for the kids to get in between their teeth by using a kid-friendly flosser that sprays water. The water pressure will help dislodge any food particles, or plaque stuck between the teeth.
2. Bring Them to a Pediatric Dentist for Checkups
While you can bring your kid to any dentist practitioner, a pediatric or children’s dentist is the best. This specialist works on the oral health needs of children. They can provide advice and tips on motivating your kids to take care of their teeth and answer any questions you may have about these things.
A pediatric dental clinic also provides a conducive environment for children. It is often colorful and lively, with fun decorations all around. The furniture inside the clinic is also designed for children’s use to make them feel more comfortable.
Moreover, your kid will likely be calmer during a checkup or procedure if they are in a pediatric dental clinic rather than an adult one. It will be easier for the dentist to conduct a thorough examination.
Finally, pediatric dentists are more likely to have the latest and most modern equipment for children’s oral health care. Their clinics are also cleaner and better-maintained than regular dental offices since they cater primarily to kids.
3. Set a Good Example
One of the best ways to motivate your kids to care for their oral health is by setting a good example. If you brush and floss regularly, they will also be more likely to do so.
You can make your oral care routine a family affair. For example, you can brush your teeth with them and play a fun song. You can also touch them together in front of the mirror for everyone to see.
You must also avoid showing them that you’re afraid of the dentist. This can make them feel scared or anxious about dental visits. Instead, try to be upbeat when talking about the dentist.
4. Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Another way to motivate your kids to care for their oral health is by letting them choose the toothbrush and toothpaste they want. This will make brushing fun as they get excited about using new things.
Younger children, for example, can pick a toothbrush with a character or animal on it, while older ones can use a brush with a more grown-up design. Either way, you want to pick something gentle on their teeth and gums, like those with soft bristles.
As for the toothpaste, you can let them choose their favorite flavor if approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Fluoride is The best kind of toothpaste for kids two years old and above.
5. Praise Them for Doing a Great Job
Whenever your kid does an excellent job taking care of their oral health, praise them for it. It will make them feel proud and motivated to do more.
You can give them verbal encouragement and tokens like small toys, stickers, or treats. Just ensure that these rewards are not too sugary or sticky, which can cause more harm to their teeth.
Meanwhile, if your kid is older, you can give them a more practical reward like an allowance or something they’ve wanted for quite some time.
Many kids are notorious for being impatient, stubborn, and resistant to change. Parents need to exercise patience when teaching kids about dental health. Hopefully, these tips will make the process easier and even more fun.
