Instilling positive habits into your child is one of the most important aspects of parenting. Reading often, cleaning up after themselves, and good overall and oral hygiene are just a few examples of habits we want our child to develop. It’s not always as easy as it seems, but with the right methods, you can help your child develop the positive habit of brushing and flossing!
In this blog, our children’s dentist lets you in on the top five ways to inspire your child to willingly brush and floss every day.
Let them pick their products.
Most children won’t pass up an opportunity to buy something new at the store. Make a special trip to let your child pick out his or her toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Surely, one with your child’s favorite cartoon character will encourage good hygiene!
You may need to give your little one specific options when it comes to choosing a toothpaste to ensure he picks one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Play a song or video.
If your child needs a distraction, play a two-minute song for him to dance to or a short video for him to watch. This is a nice way to entertain your little one while also helping him have a positive view of brushing and flossing.
Just make sure your child is using proper brushing and flossing techniques at the same time!
Do it together.
You are your child’s favorite person! If he sees you brushing and flossing every day, he will want to do the same. Take this opportunity to spend quality time with your little one before he goes off to school and right before bedtime.
Make it a game.
It’s a fact: kids love games. If you have more than one child, make oral hygiene a competition between them. For example, each time they brush or brush and floss, they get three points, and if anyone brushes and flosses without be told (or forced), they get two bonus points. The child with the most points at the end of the month gets a reward.
For an only child, you can still have the same rules, but maybe set a goal of 100 points by the end of the month. If he meets that goal, he gets a reward; if he exceeds the goal by 30 points, he gets an even better reward!
Show them what happens when they don’t practice good oral hygiene.
We suggest starting with this entertaining, yet educational, video about what causes cavities.
However, sometimes the scare tactic is the only thing that works! If you’re really struggling to get your child to take oral hygiene seriously, show him a few pictures of the effects of tooth decay.
Hopefully, your child will be more inclined to take care of his teeth!
Schedule a Dental Cleaning
A family dentist is a great resource for parents who are teaching their child about oral hygiene. Aside from offering advice on how to motivate your child, she can also teach him or her how to properly brush and floss. She will also explain the importance of oral hygiene in a way that your child can understand.
With little ones of her own, Dr. Julie Glud knows exactly how to connect with children and teach them how to properly care for their teeth. To schedule a dental cleaning for your little one, call (630) 629-5700 today.
