From putting their hands in the cookie jar to unfolding all your laundry to getting ahold of a marker and decorating your walls, kids have a knack for getting into places they shouldn’t. It seems as if you turn your back for just a moment, and they can stir up trouble in just about every way imaginable without making a single peep. However, there is one place kids often have difficulty getting into—their teeth! As parents, it’s our job to help our kids take care of their teeth, but that’s not always easy. Therefore, in this blog post, we’re going to share some fun tips for getting your kids to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Sticker Calendar & Reward System
- Groovy Toothbrush
- Tasty Toothpaste
Choosing a calendar with pictures that are interesting to your child and adding some fun stickers into the mix to mark off the days they’ve brushed will act as a colorful visual reminder for your child. Incentivize them to take an active role in their oral health by establishing some milestones, such as a certain number of stickers means they get a special (non-sugary) prize or outing. With the right reward system, your child will develop a positive association with brushing.
Kids’ toothbrushes come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns. Some even play music and light up! If your child is a fan of a particular cartoon or song, buying them a toothbrush that’s character-themed or that plays a song can get them more interested in their routine oral care. Additionally, if your child is especially reluctant to brush or has difficulty properly using a manual toothbrush, consider investing in an electric toothbrush made for kids. These will do most of the brushing work for them.
For young mouths with sensitive taste buds, adult toothpaste can often be unappealing due to the strong taste that can sometimes be perceived as “spicy”. So getting them a fluoride toothpaste that tastes good will help them be more enthusiastic about brushing their teeth. But be sure it doesn’t taste so good that they want to swallow it! Always encourage your child to spit out their toothpaste. Remember that for kids under three years old, you only need to brush their teeth with a small smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. Kids between age three and six should only use a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste.
Preventive Care Includes At-Home Care & In-Office Visits
Daily brushing and flossing will help keep your little one’s teeth and gums healthy. Another important way to keep your child’s smile in tip-top shape is to come see us for routine checkups biannually. This way, we can keep a close eye on your child’s oral health and spot any small issues that could later turn into bigger and more painful problems. To help your child enjoy their visit with us, we offer exciting amenities such as blankets, kid-friendly books and magazines, iPads with games and Netflix, refreshments, TVs, a play area, toys, prizes, and a “Cavity-Free Club”. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment here at Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry!
Contact Us
