Make brushing fun for kids

It’s never too early to help your child develop daily routines that will help prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. Here are some tips:

• Teach kids proper brushing techniques. Even when children are too young to brush well on their own, they can practice. To brush well on their own, you brush yours, have them mimic what you do. After you brush together, brush your child’s teeth again to make sure all surfaces are clean.
• Help children feel invested in their oral health. Let your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. They may find their favorite character on the toothbrush handle or the toothpaste tube, and they can choose from a variety of toothpaste flavors.
• Make time fly, brushing teeth should be a two-minute task, but this can seem like a long time.
• Try playing a favorite song or downloading a tooth brushing app that keeps kids brushing the full two minutes.
• In addition, electric toothbrushes can have entertaining lights and sounds and often a two-minute timer as well. Reward your child for a job well done.

Give your child a sticker every time they brush their teeth, they can put them on a calendar or a wall chart and feel proud as they see their progress. Your child’s oral hygiene habits can make the difference between good dental health and a mouth full of cavities. So, make tooth brushing fun and set a positive tone for a lifetime of good oral hygiene!