As parents, we know that instilling good oral hygiene habits in our little ones is a priority. However, sometimes it can be a challenge to get our kids to brush and floss their teeth every day. The American Dental Association recommends kids brush for 2 minutes, twice a day (2minx2.). And we are here to let you know that it is possible to transform this daily routine from a chore into a delightful adventure for your child.
In this blog post, we’ll share five simple yet effective tips to turn brushing and flossing teeth into a fun and engaging activity for your child. Making it fun, giving your child some control, and appealing to their tastebuds can go a long way to helping instill life-long good dental and oral care habits.
1. Make It Fun and Musical
Brush to a fun song or make up a song that is two to three minutes long. When the music stops they are done brushing.
2. Give Them a Little Control
Let them pick out their own toothbrush. One with their favorite cartoon character or one that lights up might help them get excited about brushing.
3. Appeal to Their Taste Buds
Children can be picky and the right toothpaste can make all the difference. Try out toothpastes with different flavors and let your child pick their favorite one.
4. Brush and Floss Together
Brushing your teeth together is one way to help little ones understand what needs to be done and how to do it. When they are still young enough that you need to brush their teeth for them, give them a special doll or a stuffed animal and let them practice on the doll’s or bears teeth.
5. Give Lots of Compliments
Use positive reinforcement to show your little one that they are doing a great job brushing and flossing their teeth. They’ll be more likely to continue when they see how happy you are, so do a little happy dance or whatever it takes to make it a big deal.
Do you have any tips that work for you? Share them with us on Facebook!