Good oral hygiene habits will keep your child’s teeth and gums strong, and it will help your child learn the importance of creating healthy routines. Oral health is also vital to overall health, so teaching your child to brush and floss now will help lay a foundation for a lifetime of good health. Here are some tips to get you started.

5 Tips for Teaching Good Oral Hygiene

1. Create a Routine

Good habits are formed with routine, and children thrive when predictable boundaries are set. Create a brushing and flossing routine that takes place at roughly the same time and in the same way each day. Help your child brush for two minutes twice a day and floss once a day at bedtime or in the morning.

2. Offer Rewards

Choose non-candy rewards like stickers to offer your child after each brushing or after a week of consistent cooperation with the twice-daily oral hygiene routine you’ve set up.

3. Lead by Example

Young kids want to be just like mom or dad. Let your child watch your morning or nightly oral hygiene routine. This demonstrates that good brushing and flossing is an important and grown-up thing to do.

4. Give Your Child Choices

Let your child choose their own toothbrush color and toothpaste flavor. You’ll be surprised how empowering them to make these simple choices increases their enthusiasm for brushing and their sense of pride in taking care of their teeth and gums.

5. Provide Lots of Positive Reinforcement

Let your child know how much you appreciate a job well done. Offer lots of enthusiastic praise when they cooperate and actively participate in the oral hygiene routine, and include specific feedback, such as, “You did a great job brushing way in the back!”

Pediatric Dentistry Of Onalaska, LLC in Onalaska, WI, is your partner in nurturing good oral hygiene and a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums for your children. This children’s dentist is known among happy parents for their outstanding care and ability to put kids at ease. With more than 25 years of experience in pediatric dentistry, you can trust this team with everything from cleanings to specialized care. Call (608) 781-9114 to schedule an appointment, or send a Facebook message if you have questions. Visit them online for more information.