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Oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing are absolutely essential if you want to keep your teeth and gums free of cavities and disease. However, many children struggle with the desire to brush and floss their teeth, which can be frustrating for parents. Here are 10 ways you can help make toothbrushing and other oral hygiene habits fun for your kiddos so their mouths stay healthy and strong!
Now your kid is older, so you’ll need strategies to help them brush and floss:
- Start on a routine. When you have routines, and something becomes second nature, it’s more likely to be done each day. Make up a routine that works well for your kids and have them stick to it each day.
- Reward good oral hygiene habits. When you children do great at brushing or flossing (or do it at all) come up with a reward system. Have a sticker chart they add to or have them earn points towards a small toy or privilege each week.
- Set timers like a race. Set a 2-minute timer and have each child brush really well or race. You can check your child’s progress with gingivitis tablets (from your dentist) that turn colors to help them see how good they are brushing during their 2 minutes.
- Make each day different. Change up what you do morning and night with the routine. Have kids watch 2-minute video clips if they struggle to focus. The next day, tell or listen to a story for that amount of time. Play your kid’s favorite song.
- Whatever you do, switch it up each day to keep them focused and interested!
- Use characters. Get a toothbrush with their favorite character on it and tubes of ADA-approved toothpaste. Keep oral hygiene products interesting and colorful!
- Toothpaste choices. There are many colorful toothpastes that add edible confetti, sparkles and colors for kids and teens. Using these kinds can make toothbrushing more fun for kids.
- Teach correct technique. If your child doesn’t know how to do something properly, they may avoid doing it (like flossing). Teach them proper technique so they are more confident.
- Use technology conveniently. If you can’t get your child to brush at night, have them do it at a convenient time (such as when they are watching commercials).
- Let your child choose. A child or teen is more likely to brush and floss when they choose the time that works for them. Also try taking them to the grocery store and have them pick out their own oral hygiene products, so they feel more ownership with their oral hygiene.
- Set the example. Brush your teeth while they brush theirs and teach them why it’s important. If it’s a family affair, everyone is likely to stick to the routine and follow through with good oral hygiene.
If you’re still struggling with oral hygiene in your home, see what we recommend! It may just take a trip to the dentist (and a few cavities) to get the point across to kids for why they brush and floss. CONTACT US
