Tips on Making Dental Hygiene Fun For Your Kids

Studies show that nearly 20 percent of American children from the ages 5 to 11 have at least one untreated cavity. If you are a parent, one of your main priorities should be teaching your children good dental habits. Starting this education at a young age can help you avoid dental disasters later on.

The only way to get your child to respond to dental hygiene lessons is by making them fun and engaging. Children have notoriously short attention spans, which is why interjecting a bit of excitement in these dental hygiene exercises is imperative.

Here are some things to consider when trying to make dental hygiene fun for your kids.

Lead By Example

Getting your child interested in dental hygiene is much easier if you lead by example. Children love getting the undivided attention of their parents, which is why brushing and flossing with your kids can be effective. Not only will this allow you to spend time with your child, it also gives you an opportunity to show them the right way and wrong way to brush and floss.

Creating a dental care routine for your little one to follow should be a goal. By establishing this routine, you can make dental hygiene a no-brainer for your child.

Find a Fun and Functional Toothbrush

Going out and shopping for fun and effective dental supplies is also a great motivator for a child. The last thing any young kid wants is a toothbrush that is boring and plain. Luckily, there are tons of character-themed toothbrushes on the market designed to appeal to a younger demographic.

There are even toothbrushes that play songs. These songs are designed to both entertain and ensure a child brushes their teeth for the right amount of time. Allowing your child to pick their own toothbrush can help you get them excited about caring for their teeth.

Choosing Special Toothpaste

Another way to interject a bit of fun and excitement into dental hygiene is by investing in special toothpaste for your child. Most children will not like the strong taste of mint that is common in moth adult toothpaste. This is why using children-themed products is a good idea.

Generally, a child’s toothpaste product will feature a variety of fruity flavors. Making the flavor more tolerable can help you avoid mini-meltdowns each time your child has to brush their teeth.

Preparing Them For Dental Visits

Instead of making your child’s first dental visit an unwanted surprise, work on preparing for this event. Having a stranger poking and prodding their mouth with metal tools can be traumatic for a child if they are unprepared. Taking the time to explain what will happen during this visit and performing test runs of the dental exam can be helpful. By doing this, you can make dental visits an enjoyable experience for your child.

Consult With Professionals

If you are unsure about how to properly educate your child about dental hygiene, consulting with a family dentist is essential. These professionals can provide you with guidance and advice to help make this educational process an enjoyable experience.