4 Ways To Help Your Kid Brush His/Her Teeth Regularly

Getting kids to brush and floss their teeth can be a battle in every home. If you are a parent or a caretaker who struggles to get your kid to brush their teeth, here are some ways for you to win the battle. We recommend children around the age of two come to our office for a "Happy Visit".  This ensures the healthy development of baby teeth and helps your child familiarize themselves with our fun dental team and form good early dental hygiene habits.

Explain To Your Child The Importance of Good Oral Care

Children are usually very curious about the world around them, so engaging them in a fun activity is a great way to make them understand the importance of oral hygiene. Most kids like playing games or watching videos online, so you can show them a funny video about proper dental care to get them excited about the process. You can then explain to them how the food particles left on their teeth can cause cavities and other oral problems if they're not brushed off properly. If possible, invite them to join you in the bathroom where you brush your teeth and floss every day.

You can also play fun games with your child to entice them to brush their teeth more often. Make up different songs with catchy tunes about making your teeth sparkling clean. You can even sing and dance along together while brushing your pearly whites. The more fun it is, the easier it will be for your child to remember how important it is to take care of his teeth.

Set A Good Example 

Kids mimic their parents, so if your child sees you brushing your teeth on a regular basis, he/she is more likely to remember to do the same. Brushing together creates a routine that your child may look forward to each night before bed. So, teach your child the importance of good oral hygiene by setting an example by brushing their teeth with you every night until they reach the age of seven when they can brush their own teeth. Remember that parents should help brush their child's teeth until they are about 8 to 9 years old. Also, teach them that flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and visiting the dentist every six months are also important parts of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Don't forget to visit the dentist for yourself as well. Children who see their parents at the dentist are more likely to do the same when they reach adulthood.

Try Positive Reinforcements

Along with setting a good example for your child, give incentives to them for good behavior. Try to praise your child for doing a good job at brushing his teeth so that they'll want to keep up the good work. Try using positive reinforcement to encourage your child to keep on brushing their teeth until it becomes a good habit for them and something that they enjoy doing.

Buy Products Your Child Enjoys Using

Kids tend to like brushing their teeth when they can use products that have a fun flavor. Find a few options at your local pharmacy and try them out on your child. If he/she likes the taste, he/she will be more likely to use it every day. (And, of course, keep a close eye on your child to be sure he doesn't eat the toothpaste!) You can also get them an electric toothbrush with a fun design or a fun-shaped handle. You can also buy them electric water flossers that can do more than clean their teeth; these can also massage their gums and stimulate blood flow.

For more tips about child dental care, call us at (702) 331-2121, request an appointment online, or visit us at 10521 Jeffreys St #200, Henderson, NV 89052.