When you think about what makes your kid excited, it’s probably a safe bet to guess that teeth brushing isn’t anywhere near the top of that list. That doesn’t mean it can’t be fun though! There are plenty of tricks for parents to help them make their child more enthusiastic about maintaining this important dental habit. Here are five ways you can make tooth brushing more fun for your little ones.
1. Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush & Toothpaste
While you should definitely ensure that you’re picking the age-appropriate toothbrush for your child, you can let them have their pick of the many colorful options out there. Chances are there’s a toothbrush with their favorite character or in their favorite color. You can also see which toothpaste flavor they like the most. That way, they’ll be more excited to use their own dental tools each day.
2. Choose a Brushing Song
Two minutes is the recommended time for how long someone should brush their teeth, but that can seem like an eternity for kids. To make the time pass with more joy choose a fun, upbeat two-minute song. You can put it on whenever it’s time for tooth brushing. This will also make sure your child is brushing their teeth long enough. Choose a favorite family song or choose one of the many toothbrushing songs or videos available on YouTube.
3. Set a Positive Example
When kids are at a young age, they always want to do what mom and dad are doing. Sometimes we don’t even recognize the habits they’re picking up by watching us! You should show your kid that you like to brush your teeth twice a day, every day so they can be inspired and excited to do the same.
4. Check Out Dental Apps
There are lots of cool apps out there specifically devoted to helping kids brush their teeth correctly. If you have a smartphone or an iPad, have a look at the options and see if any grab your child’s eye. They’ll be more interested in brushing their teeth when they have a cool, colorful app to follow.
5. Create a Rewards Chart
For some kids, a rewards chart works best so they can easily see their progress and hold themselves accountable. You can set up your own chart or find a template online that your child can use to make sure they brush their teeth every day. Then it’s up to you to decide on the perfect prize!
We Love Kids!
At Paris Mountain Dental, we love helping kids achieve their brightest smiles. We provide a range of dental services for kids. If you ever have any questions about your child’s oral health, please don’t hesitate to ask. When you’re ready, we’d love to welcome you and your family into our Travelers Rest dental practice!