It’s never too early to begin working towards a healthy and bright smile—which is why it’s so important that as parents, we’re helping to maintain our children’s teeth from the moment they begin erupting and onwards! But did you know that this becomes even easier if your child is actively involved in the process and enthusiastic about oral care? With that in mind, here are three tips from your pediatric dentist to help you make dental care more fun for your kiddo!
Tip #1. Help Them Choose a Toothbrush
A toothbrush is perhaps the single most important item in our dental hygiene arsenal, and luckily, there are plenty of toothbrushes out there that are perfectly suited for youngsters. Many brushes come in cool colors, themes and designs, and some even play music while they’re being used—which kids love! Electric toothbrushes are also a great option, as they’re easier for children to grasp. Also be sure that once you’ve helped them select the perfect brush, you’re showing them how to correctly use it! Sometimes simply having a brush they love can make all the difference in the world when it comes to children maintaining good hygiene habits.
Tip #2. Consider Kid-Friendly Flossers
You probably already know that flossing is just as important as brushing—but your child may not have made this realization yet, meaning it’s up to you to teach and enforce the habit. This is easier said than done, but you can take advantage of the many kid-friendly flossing options out there, such as GumChucks, or dental flossers designed for kids, many of which come in fun shapes, colors, and flavors! Also, be certain that you’ve shown your child how to floss properly; it won’t do them any good if they aren’t thoroughly cleaning between the teeth where their brush cannot reach.
Tip #3. Reward Them for Their Efforts
Just like us, kiddos need to brush their teeth twice a day; ideally once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed. While this isn’t always the most exciting thing in the world for children, there are things you can do on your end to make things more fun for them, such as implementing a reward system. You can do this by keeping track of their habits using a calendar, and if they’re able to brush and floss for an entire week, reward them with a treat or their favorite activity during the weekend!
It’s also worth mentioning that if you lead by example and show your child exactly what to do, it might make things seem more engaging—make brushing a family activity with lots of smiles and laughter, and all of you will end up with healthy, radiant grins!
About the Practice
Our talented team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served patients in the Nashua, NH community for several years, and they’d be honored to tend to your family’s smile needs! If you have any questions about the blog or you believe it’s time for your little one’s next visit, don’t hesitate to contact us online or by phone for assistance! Telephone: (603) 605-1094.