Ways to make brushing teeth fun for kids You know how important it is to care about your teeth, but your children may not. They may not understand why they need to brush regularly and floss every day. That is why it is important that you instill good brushing habits in your children and empower them to truly care about their oral hygiene. The pediatric team here at Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry will certainly talk to your child about good brushing habits, but it is also important that you help reinforce these habits at home. Here are a few ways you can empower children to care about their oral hygiene and make it fun while you're at it.Model Good Hygiene HabitsIt will be hard to convince your child to brush twice a day and floss regularly if you do not do these things. The best way of showing your child that good oral hygiene is important is to show them that you care about your teeth. Have them brush their teeth and floss with you in the morning and at night. Show them exactly how to brush, how much toothpaste to use, and how to floss properly. Encourage your child while they brush and let them know when they have done a great job. Make Brushing FunThere are several ways you can make brushing fun. First, let your child pick out their own toothbrush. There are many toothbrushes out there with cartoon characters on them or that are brightly colored. Since it's important to replace toothbrushes regularly, your child can look forward to getting to pick a new one every few months. You can pick out a new one at the same time as well, so it feels more like a family event. There are also different flavors of toothpaste available. Let your kids experiment with the different flavors until they find one that they really like. The same goes with mouthwash. As long as the toothpaste and mouthwash have the right ingredients, it does not matter what flavor or color it is. If children are excited about their toothbrush and enjoy the toothpaste and mouthwash they are using, they will be more likely to want to brush their teeth. Create a Fun Brushing RoutineBrushing does not have to be done in silence. You can make up a fun brushing and flossing routine that may include music, some silly dance moves, or anything else that helps get your kids excited about brushing. Brush and dance along with them. There are a number of songs or online videos that you can play while your kids brush. While there are some related to brushing, you do not have to stick to those. You can play your child's favorite song if that is what motivates them. Of course, you can also provide rewards. If your kids do a good job brushing, they could get an extra 10 minutes of playtime or some other special treat. Just make sure it is not something sugary, so it does not encourage plaque and cavities. Need More Fun Ideas for Brushing?Contact us at Jacobsen Pediatric Dentistry for more fun and engaging ideas to encourage your children to brush their teeth! |
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