Sometimes getting your children to brush their teeth can be like pulling teeth. Here are some valuable, and fun ideas from a Gallup NM Dentist for helping your children develop healthy dental hygiene habits.
Create a consistent daily routine. Set a specific time, and remember that it doesn’t have to be right before bedtime. In fact, it might be wise to do it a little while before bed, so they don’t use brushing time as part of their “I don’t want to go to bed” stalling techniques.
Try getting them a fancy motorized toothbrush. Not only are they more fun for kids to use, the good electric toothbrushes have been proven to do a better job of cleaning the teeth.
Consider rewards or incentives for great or consistent brushing. Sticker charts are especially effective for the younger children. Older children could be rewarded with some extra time to stay up, etc. If you disagree with rewards, you can at least offer appreciation and praise.
Have an older child teach and help the younger child about the importance of having clean and healthy teeth and breath that doesn’t stink. Often (unfortunately) children will listen much better if it comes from a child they look up to rather than mom or dad.
Try brushing together as a family and make up your own little games and traditions surrounding brushing time.
Let your children set a timer, or play some music to determine how long they should brush.
Allow each child to have his or her own special toothpaste. Make sure you supervise toothpaste quantities for younger children
Try adding a gentle mouthwash rinse to tooth brushing time. Some children love rinsing with mouthwash (especially the spitting part). Some kids also get into flossing, so get some floss as well. There are all kinds of new ways to floss besides the traditional long roll of floss. Find out which method works best for your children.
Read a short story while they brush, or after they brush with toothpaste and rinse, they can continue brushing with no toothpaste while you read to them on the couch. Sometimes this can help them brush longer.
On one night of the week (if they have been brushing each day), you can let the children brush your teeth, and be your dentist for the night.
Tragically, over 40 percent of children have caries (a precursor to cavities) before they even enter kindergarten. Establishing good dental hygiene habits in the home, and going to the dentist for regular check-ups is essential to the overall health and well-being of a child. So many health problems can stem from poor dental care, and so many could easily be avoided. Germs that lead to cavities and dental diseases are so easily passed from family member to family member through sharing food and drinks, and even through kissing. Make a family brushing plan today, and don’t give up!