Bringing Back the Fun of Brushing Teeth for Children

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are among the common chronic diseases that affect children. Untreated infections and pain caused by dental cavities can interfere with activities and lead to eating, talking, or playing issues. Children with oral health problems are likelier to be absent from school and do poorly academically.

Maintaining oral hygiene at any age is vital, but it is especially vital for children. These early years are essential for laying the groundwork to ensure a lifetime of oral health. However, we also know that teaching kids about tooth brushing can be complex, messy, and challenging. Success requires a lot of commitment, reassurance, and motivation.

How do you get your children to clean their teeth?

Although it is recommended to begin brushing your child’s tooth as soon as they begin to show the first tooth, around six months of age, you may face difficulty getting your child to participate until they’re older. However, you can take steps to make toothbrushing more engaging and convenient for your kid.

1. Personalize Their Brushing Experience

Letting your child choose their toothbrush and toothpaste may be a great way to make brushing fun. However, only when the toothbrush has soft bristles and includes fluoride. Giving your child some say about the tools they use to brush their teeth can make them feel more involved during the cleaning process.

According to a pediatric dentist Lethbridge, many children’s toothbrushes feature their favorite cartoon characters. In addition, bubblegum-flavored toothpaste is often well-received by the target group. Keep in mind that children younger than three need to use one grain of rice worth of toothpaste every single time, and kids between the ages of three and six require a small amount.

2. Compare Before and After Pictures

There are usually tri-ring binders or brochures that showcase dental restoration successes with before and post-treatment photos in the waiting room of any dental clinic. These images are meant to promote the practice to those with similar problems. Parents can use these images to show their kids the negative consequences of not caring for their teeth.

Seek out restorations that have been performed due to damage. Check the cost of dental work (such as extractions, fillings, replacement teeth, and dental bridges Red Deer) to more tangible things the kid might want, for example, a video gaming console, brand-new bicycles, or even a new computer.

3. Establish a Bedtime Routine

Instruct your kids to adhere to an evening routine that includes brushing their teeth and reading a book (or two) before going to bed at the same time every night. Setting bedtime rituals that promote children’s literacy development, healthy eating, and good oral hygiene can get your family off to a good start.

Many children’s books address the subject of dental hygiene using a child’s perspective, making it easier to convey the message on their level of understanding. For painless dental procedures, you can contact a facility specializing in sedation dentistry Windsor and book a scheduled visit online.

4. Be Creative

If your youngster is more challenging than rigorous monitoring can manage, try making brushing fun. One fun method to encourage your child to participate in brushing without making it the main occasion is to throw an informal dance party set to beats that are upbeat while you brush.

Make it into a game and give rewards at your children’s expense. Make a weekly toothbrushing chart and offer a modest incentive to your child when they’ve completed all the areas.

5. Make It a Family Time

You’re not alone. Your kids might want to look like you; if you clean your teeth daily, the streaks could be transferred to your children. One way to accomplish this is to take a few moments out of your routines in the morning and at night to brush your teeth together. If you can make this a regular occurrence before they reach a particular age, they won’t question it or even try to understand the why or what of it.