It’s not easy to get children excited about the prospect of brushing their teeth. Proper dental care doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore, though, if you know how to make it a fun and engaging activity kids actually anticipate.

It all begins with regular brushing. This is the key component of a great oral care regimen, and any children’s dentist will agree it’s the best way to prevent the development of cavities and maintain clean teeth. Here are three ways to make brushing those teeth enjoyable:

• Make Your Child a Superhero: Battling the evil cavity is a job for the almighty toothbrush. Kids, though, look at this as a chore and not as an actual way to prevent something bad from happening. Transform brushing time into a superhero fantasy, and it becomes an entirely different situation: In fact, it becomes a fun game. Try giving your little one a Superman cape, or purchase a toothbrush with a beloved superhero on it for them to use.
• Set a Timer: If most kids had their way, brushing would involve wiggling the toothbrush around for a couple of seconds and calling it a day. Children’s dentists, though, suggest a minimum of at least two minutes of brushing time: one minute on the top and another on the bottom. Make this a little more tolerable for kids by setting a timer or a stopwatch, and let them know their job is to brush as thoroughly as possible between start and stop. Most kids enjoy the challenge!
• Sing a Little Song: While most dental care games are to be enjoyed by children alone, this one may require a little grown-up participation. Help your kids stick to a routine by singing their favorite tune as they brush their teeth. This serves two purposes: It ensures they’re brushing for the appropriate amount of time, and it keeps them focused on something fun. Brushing becomes less of a hassle and more a form of entertainment—and maybe even something they eventually grow to enjoy.

It takes some effort, but it’s not impossible for kids to develop proper dental care habits and actually stick with them. The best dentists recognize children may not love to brush their teeth or pay a visit to their local pediatric dentistry office. Their goal is to help kids develop pride in their oral care routines.

Pedodontic Associates is the leading pediatric dentistry office on Oahu and Maui. They’ve served the community for over 25 years, providing quality dental care and encouraging excellent oral health habits. Visit their website to learn more. You can also call (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea office, (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu location, or (808) 877-0066 for the Kahului practice.