Make brushing teeth a fun activity for your kids to help instill good dental care habits for life. It is generally easier to turn tooth brushing into something little children can enjoy rather than trying to stress the activity from a health standpoint, as they may be too young to understand the implications of poor dental care.

Discuss the reasons for diligent oral care once your kids are old enough to appreciate why it is so essential. Use the following tips to get your kids excited about brushing:

Let Them Pick Their Toothbrushes

Visit your local drugstore so your kids can choose their toothbrushes. This gives them a sense of control over tooth brushing. Toothbrushes for kids come in an array of bright colors and designs, including those featuring cartoon characters, options that light up or play music, and even those with two-minute timers. Your kids will enjoy brushing their teeth much more if their brushes feature favorite characters or play fun songs.

Throw Tooth Brushing “Parties”

Throw tooth brushing “parties” every night where all family members brush their teeth together. Take turns picking two-minute songs to brush to or throw a little dance party prior to brushing. Make up special toothbrush “dances” or look up options on the internet. For example, the American Dental Association website has a kids’ section that includes Sesame Street tooth brushing videos. Let your kids brush with Elmo!

Purchase Fun Toothpaste Flavors

Purchase toothpaste in fun flavors, such as bubblegum and fruit. As with the picking of toothbrushes, you might want to let your kids choose their toothpaste so they feel like they are in charge of their dental care.

Discuss these and other ways to make brushing fun for kids with the best pediatric dentists on Oahu and Maui. Pedodontic Associates Inc. has remained a top pediatric dentistry source for over 25 years and was named “Best Dentists in Hawaii 2011” by Honolulu Magazine. Work with the talented dentists to keep your kids’ mouths healthy and their smiles bright. Contact them today by calling (808) 487-7933 (Aiea office), (808) 735-1733 (Kahala office), (808) 877-0066 (Maui office), or visiting the website. Follow the pediatric dentistry service on Twitter for more great tips.