If you are searching for a new dental home for your family, we welcome you to visit our family-focused office, Dental Care of Lombard. We offer a wide range of dental treatments for the entire family in Lombard, IL. We have proudly served this community for more than 35 years.
Our esteemed dentist, Dr. Julie Glud, lives in the Lombard community with her husband, three children, and dog. She understands the delicate work/life balancing act that having a family brings. Dr. Hillbrenner believes that good oral hygiene habits begin at an early age. She offers these tips for encouraging your kiddos to take brushing seriously.
Tips For Encouraging Your Kids to Brush Often
Dental care starts with the arrival of your baby’s first tooth. Special toothbrushes for small children can be used around 6 months of age. Flossing can begin around age 2 or 3. Your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled by the time he or she is 1. As your children become older, you will want them to brush regularly on their own. Remember, this is a process, and every child develops good oral hygiene habits at different times. These tips are proven and parent-approved!
Start By Setting the Example
You eat with your kids and play with your kids. Brushing your teeth with your kids should be no different, especially as you help them develop good habits. Children naturally emulate what their parents do, adding another level of importance to demonstrating that brushing at night and in the morning is important and fun. Put a step ladder near the sink and have your child play the “copy game” while you brush, rinse, and spit. You can alternate who copies whom to keep it fun.
Turn Brushing Time into Story Time
Every child loves a good story. You can pretend that there’s a fictitious animal or magical creature hiding between their teeth. Mom or dad can start “hunting” the creatures by brushing one side of the mouth. After you get “tired,” you can have your child finish the chase. A quick inspection of a clean mouth can leave you saying, “Oh, I don’t see him anymore!”
Incentivize Your Little Ones
You probably already understand that the promise of a reward can quell tempers and encourage good behavior. If you don’t have time to supervise your child’s evening brushing, simply tell them to report back in five minutes with a clean and bright smile and reward them with their favorite treat.
Set a Timer
Teaching little children to brush for an adequate among of time is just as important as teaching them to brush in the first place. There are numerous smartphone apps that will play children’s music for a predetermined amount of time, or you can simply set a kitchen timer. Two minutes is a good goal for most children.
Let Your Child Choose Their Oral Hygiene Supplies
Good oral hygiene habits can be encouraged in the grocery line. There are many fun toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste options for children. Let them pick out their own to give them a sense of ownership over their oral hygiene.
Contact Us Today
At Dental Care of Lombard, we treat our patients like family. Dr. Glud treats all her patients with warmth and compassion because she wants to make sure that every patient has a positive dental experience. If you are searching for a dental home for your family, we welcome you to experience what hundreds of our past patients have — comprehensive and quality dental care. To schedule your first visit, contact our office online or call (630) 629-5700.
