How to Make Dental Health for Kids Fun

Oral Hygiene Can Be Fun

Kids often dread anything that involves dental health. They often don't like visiting the dentist for routine checkups. They frequently dislike brushing their teeth in the morning and at night, too. If you're a parent who wants to change how your child views and approaches dental hygiene, there are several things you can do to make dental health for kids fun. Dental health doesn't have to be boring or annoying for any youngster. It can actually be a true joy, surprisingly enough. You can encourage your child to appreciate dental health and oral hygiene by making things fun. You can portray dental health in a whole new light for your little one.

Make Flossing and Brushing Teeth a Team Activity

If you want your child to enjoy flossing and brushing his/her teeth, make it a team activity. Children look up toย their parents. They love emulating them. If your child sees you smiling while you floss and brush, they may just follow suit. Make sure your child sees your proper flossing and brushing practices, too. If you want to make flossing and brushing even more exciting for your youngster, create a simple song that discusses the benefits of these oral hygiene activities. There's a good chance your child won't be able to resist singing along!

Focus on Time

It's important to make sure your child brushes his/her teeth for the appropriate length of time. People should aim to brush their teeth twice per day. They should also aim to do so for approximately two minutes at a time. Get a timer to ensure your child brushes his/her teeth for the desired length of time. You can even ask your child to start the timer himself/herself. That can give him/her a nice sense of responsibility.

Invest in a Special Toothpaste

Children have so many exciting options in special toothpastes these days. If you want your child to look forward to brushing his/her teeth every morning and night, considering investingย in a special toothpaste that will catch his/her interest. There are quite a few kid-friendly toothpastes that come in appealing flavours such as strawberry. Ask your dentist to provide you with good recommendations.

If your toddler is resistant to toothpaste, it's perfectly okay to start with just a toothbrush (or finger) and graduallyย introduce toothpaste into the equation over time.

Approach Toothbrush Purchases With Enthusiasm

If you want your child to be excited about optimal oral hygiene, you should do whatever you can to build up enthusiasm about toothbrush purchases. Create excitement about going to the store and buying a toothbrush. Make him/her think it will be the experience of a lifetime! If your child looks forward to selecting a toothbrush like he/she anticipates going to get dessert, you're in good shape. You can empower your child by giving him/her the opportunity to select his/her very own toothbrush, too. If brushing makes your child feel 'grownup,' that's definitely a good thing.

Give Your Child an Incentive to Brush

Rewards can make great incentives for children. If you want your child to commit to strong oral hygiene practices, it can help to make great use of rewards. You can set up a chart that details your child's daily oral health routine. If your child successfully brushes and flosses his/her teeth for seven days in a row, you can give him/her a reward. That reward could be anything from a new toy to a visit to theirย favorite local restaurant. A chart can be a fun idea for other reasons, too. Young children love showing off! Your child can happily present his/her grandfather or grandmother with an in-depth chart that confirms all of his/her hard work.

Take Advantage of Videos and Books

There are so many videos and books out that aim to teach young children about the importance of proper oral health. Parents who want to teach their kids about dental health should take the time to purchase or borrow these. There are many interesting kid-friendly videos that discuss the value of strong dental care practices. These videos offer instructional benefits as well. They can teach your child about all of the most effective flossing and brushing methods. If you want your youngster to view oral health as something fun and relevant to his/her age group, the assistance of a fun and dynamic video clip can go a long way. A detail-oriented book that's geared toward the young crowd can also be an amazing help.

Be a Good Role Model

Kids look up to their parents. If your child sees that you dread brushing and flossing your teeth, you're not setting a good example for him/her. You should be a good role model. You should aim to visit your dentist for routine checkups at least twice a year. If you're child is particularly anxious about their first visit remember...

Weย like theย first visit to be easy, a simple ride in the chair and maybe just counting their teeth. We like to make it fun so they want to come back again.

You should never neglect your flossing and brushing duties, either. If you take great care of your teeth and oral health, your child will more than likely copy you.

About the Author:

Dr Nick Wilding, is the principal dentist atย Terrigal Beach Dental. Dr Nick and his experienced team of friendly dentists work with state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology to look after all your dental needs โ€“ gently, carefully and professionally.

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