Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. As a parent, you understand the importance of daily brushing and flossing, but it can be tough to convince your kids. The pediatric dentists at La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry LLC in La Crosse, WI, deal with this issue all the time, and have some ideas to make daily dental care fun!

Here are four ways to help your kids create good oral hygiene habits:

• Get Them Involved: The next time you’re at the store, take your child to the dental care aisle and let them choose a new toothbrush and tube of toothpaste. Involve them and create excitement around a new daily ritual.
• Track Daily Progress: Create a fun chart to track your child’s dental care progress. You can hang it on the wall in the bathroom and use colorful stickers to mark the days and times your child brushed successfully. 
• Do A Dental Dance: Even with a new toothbrush and stickers, brushing and flossing can sometimes be boring. Make this new daily habit more fun by involving the entire family and throwing some music into the mix. Play your favorite songs and boogie as you brush. Create special dance moves for different parts of the mouth, like the tongue or the hard-to-reach back molars, so kids learn to brush different areas.
• Bring A Friend: An important part of dental care is going to visit the dentist. If the thought of a teeth cleaning or exam is scary for your child, have them bring a special toy or stuffed animal into the office. Allow this “friend” to stay in the room and bring it every time you visit the dentist.

Whether your child needs a teeth cleaning, help with brushing, or even emergency dental care, turn to the specialists at La Crosse Pediatric Dentistry LLC. The staff is committed to helping young patients create and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Call (608) 782-4054 to make an appointment or visit their website for a full list of dental care services.