It can be easy to skip brushing your teeth now and then, especially if you’re a tired toddler. But establishing a brushing routine as a youngster is one of the best ways to ensure you have a happy, healthy mouth as an adult. At Four Corners Dental Group, the top pediatric dentist clinic with locations in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska, the friendly and knowledgeable team has extensive experience helping parents get their kids to practice good oral health care habits.

Known for their caring, compassionate, and affordable dental care, Four Corners Dental Group can get your child into a brushing routine in no time.Below are three tips from the pediatric dentist about how to get your child into a brushing routine.

1. Set a Good Example

Monkey see, monkey do, right? Every morning and evening when you brush your teeth, make sure your child is not only watching you practice good oral care habits. Grab their toothbrush, and have them brush along with you. Show them how you move the toothbrush to reach all of your teeth, and don’t forget your tongue too.

2. Turn Brushing into a Game

Everything's more fun if it’s a game or if you sing while you do it (remember the “Clean Up!” song?). Why not turn brushing into a game where your tiny tot tries to battle all the sugar in their mouth with their magic toothbrush. You can even let them wear a cape while they brush to add to the fun. Or try making up a song about brushing teeth: Sing “This is the way we brush our teeth” to the tune of “This Is The Way We Go To School.”

3. Offer a Reward

Who doesn’t want a gold star? Put a calendar in the bathroom, and every time your child brushes their teeth, let them put a gold star (or a sticker of their choice) on the calendar. If they brush regularly for a week, let them pick out a new toothbrush or toothpaste.

For more tips on how to help your kids establish a good dental care routine, schedule an appointment with the best pediatric dentist in Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska. Call Four Corners Dental Group at (907) 258-3384 for the Anchorage location and (907) 376-2790 for the Wasilla location. Don’t forget to visit the Four Corners Dental Group online to learn more about how the dentist offers affordable dental care for your entire family.