It’s challenging for most children to effectively brush and floss their teeth on their own. Because of this, dentists recommend teaching your little ones the basics of oral hygiene early on. The professionals at Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic in Fulton County, AR, are leaders in family dentistry and stress the importance of proper oral hygiene for children. Below, they offer three tips on how to help your little ones take care of their pearly whites.

How to Teach Your Children About Oral Hygiene

Lead by Example

If your children don’t pick up oral hygiene skills from you, who else will they learn from? Many children learn by watching and doing, and oral hygiene is no exception. For example, brushing your teeth for approximately two minutes is the norm, but if your child sees you brushing for less, they will most likely start doing it too. 

Get Into a Routine

It’s crucial for your child to know what steps they need to take to brush and floss their teeth. Without a guideline, they might forget a few of the tasks. Brushing and flossing after waking up as well as right before bed is an excellent routine to get started with. If you would like your child to brush and floss more often, encourage them to do so after each meal.

Have Fun With It

Brushing and flossing can feel like monotonous chores for children, especially if they get bored easily. Instead of candy rewards, use extra play time with friends or another episode of their favorite TV show as thoughtful incentives they can work toward.

You may think getting your children to brush their teeth will be a lot like pulling teeth—but it doesn’t have to be that way. If they know what to do, it will be easier to keep up the good habits later on in life. For more information on pediatric and general dentistry, the dentists at Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic are here to help. To view a list of services, visit their website. If you would like to make an appointment with a dentist, give them a call at (870) 625-3262.