5 Ways to Make Brushing Fun for Kids
February 22, 2017
Getting the kids up and ready in the morning and getting them into bed at night can already be tough and stressful, add tooth brushing to the battle and you may be ready to give up. While it’s essential for your child to form good oral care habits now, it’s not always easy to get them to brush their teeth. If you’re struggling to get kids taking care of their teeth, it may be time to get creative, finding a tactic that works so your child can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.
Head Out Shopping for Fun Dental Supplies Together
If your kids enjoy going shopping, head out shopping for some fun dental supplies together. Let them have some fun picking out their own fun toothbrushes and toothpaste, although it’s best to choose options with the ADA Seal of Acceptance on them. You’ll find many great character toothbrushes to choose from, which may make brushing a lot more fun for your child, especially if he gets to pick it himself. Quality fluoride toothpastes also come in many different colors and flavors, so you child can have some fun making that decision too. Letting them pick out their own dental supplies may get them more interested in sticking to their regular brushing routine.
Come Up with a Reward System
For many children, a fun reward system can make brushing a lot more fun. Print our or buy a calendar and get some stickers your kids will appreciate. Every time your child brushes his teeth, give them a sticker to put on the calendar as a reward. The stickers can be an exciting surprise on their own. If your child gets all his stickers in a week, allow him to have a reward. You can offer an even bigger reward if your child sticks to the routine for an entire month.
Find Fun Books and Videos About Brushing
Purchase some fun books and videos about good oral care habits, or head to your local library to find them free. You can sit down and read a book about brushing your teeth to your child. Another idea is to show them fun videos about brushing and other good oral hygiene practices. Many popular children’s books and shows have great stories about brushing and good oral hygiene. Stories and videos offer a great way to teach kids more about caring for their teeth while offering this information in a way they can easily relate to.
Turn Brushing into a Game
Kids love games, so if you’re having a tough time getting kids to brush or brush long enough, turn it into a fun game they’ll enjoy. Come up with a superhero game, complete with cape, where your child fights off the villains attacking his teeth by brushing. If you have multiple children and they aren’t brushing long enough, consider having a contest when they brush to see who can keep brushing the longest, although you want to ensure they don’t brush too vigorously, since this can damage their gums. You can even make up a story or create a fun character to inspire your child to brush.
Add Some Music to Your Brushing Routine
Do your kids just love music? Consider adding some music and rhythm to the brushing routine to make it more exciting. You can find apps that offer music that plays for two minutes while your kids brush, or you can play your child’s favorite tunes as they are brushing their teeth. It’s even more fun if you and your kids dance around to the music together are you brush. Making it a family affair can also let kids learn by your example, and they’ll be more likely to brush and keep good oral hygiene routines when they see their parents doing it too.
Along with good oral hygiene at home, remember that regular dental checkups are an important part of keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy for life. Ensure your child heads to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. If it’s time for your child’s regular dental exam, give us a call today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Maggie Davis.
Celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month
February 7, 2017
February is here, which means it’s time to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month! This year the ADA chose to focus on the benefits of fluoride for combating tooth decay and promoting oral health. This year’s theme “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile” aims to educate families on the many benefits of drinking tap water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, here are ten things to know about your little one’s teeth:
- As soon as your baby’s teeth poke through, they’re susceptible to tooth decay. It’s important to start using a fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first teeth appear.
- When your child is three or younger, you only need to use as much toothpaste as a grain of rice.
- Dental sealants are another great way to help combat tooth decay and protect your child’s teeth. Sealants have been found to reduce tooth decay in molars by almost 80 percent.
- To prevent baby bottle tooth decay, avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle. Prolonged exposure to sugary drinks can lead to tooth decay.
- You may feel inclined to clean your child’s pacifier with your mouth or feed them off of your spoon, but cavity-causing bacteria can be passed through saliva. Try to avoid sharing utensils to keep your germs separate from your child’s.
- Encourage your child to drink tap water. Tap water is filled with fluoride, which is known to reduce cavities by 25 percent.
- At birth, your child has twenty teeth below their gums that will start erupting between the ages of six months to one year.
- When your child starts teething many babies will become fussy and irritable. It’s common to see your little one lose their appetite or drool more than usual while their teeth come through.
- Your child should come visit the dentist by their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth erupts to start them on the road to outstanding oral health.
- It’s important to clean between your child’s teeth as soon as they have two that touch. This can be before or after brushing, just as long as your child understands the importance of flossing!
This month and every month, we aim to prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy and happy smiles! Stay tuned for our next blog, which will highlight the importance of drinking fluoridated water and the many benefits for you and your child’s oral health.