Keeping your mouth and teeth healthy is essential to your overall health, but it can take time for kids to learn how to thoroughly clean their smiles. Aside from checking that they're brushing and flossing twice a day and bringing them in for visits to the kids dentist, here are some top tips to create healthy oral health habits for little ones.

Tips to Help Kids Develop Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine

1. Make It a Game

For younger children, games can make mundane tasks more exciting. Put a one-minute sand timer out and set it to go twice. They’ll be more inclined to brush if they see it as a competition to continue doing so until the sand runs out. Or, have them pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste at the store so it reminds them that those items are theirs.

2. Remind Them to Brush Nightly

If teeth aren't brushed and flossed before bed, it can cause tartar to harden and develop into plaque. If kids have a phone, encourage them to set an alarm on theirs to remind them. For smaller children, use a chart in the bathroom that they can track.

3. Brush as a Family

Brushing together can make kids more likely to follow through because they know it's something to look forward to each night. Make it a fun family affair where the kids get to join in the parent's bathroom. Or, tell stories while the kids brush. 

4. Be Consistent

Find ways to be consistent in their oral hygiene routine. Create a bedtime routine where brushing and flossing happens around the same time each night. 

5. Communicate Why It's Important

It's hard for kids to develop healthy habits because they might not know why it's so important to do so. Explain what can happen if teeth aren't taken care of, such as bad breath or problems that require a kids dentist down the road. 

For nearly 40 years, Bert E. Bathiany IV, DMD has been the premier kids dentist in the Florence, KY, community. Offering comprehensive dental services, from children's dental care to pediatric orthodontist services, their team works hard to help kids have healthy smiles. Their team offers flexible hours in two locations for your convenience. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 525-2100 or visit them online for more information on the services offered by this kids dentist.