Helping your little ones develop good dental habits and taking them to see a dentist at least twice a year are crucial to their oral health. In the United States, 20% of children ages 2-11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. If left alone, cavities can cause tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. However, instilling positive dental habits early in life isn’t just a dentist’s responsibility. As a parent, you need to take the lead in encouraging your children to take care of their teeth. However, if it’s a challenge to get your kids into an oral health routine, follow these three tips.

3 Tips to Teach Kids Good Oral Hygiene Habits

1. Make it a Family Affair 

Kids learn through imitation. Brush your teeth with your kids every morning and evening. Watching you can also help your child mimic good brushing behavior. Look up some fun two-minute tooth brushing songs online to make it more fun and make sure your kids are brushing long enough.

2. Hold Them Accountable 

Just like washing the dishes, setting the table, and doing homework, brushing their teeth should be considered a chore that has to be done every day. Add tooth brushing to a chore chart and let your kids add a sticker to the chart for doing a great job. If they do well every day that week, reward them with a new privilege or fun prize like a family movie night. 

3. Let Them Be Part of the Process

Let your kids pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste so they feel like they have some autonomy over the decision to brush their teeth. There are many varieties of toothbrushes for your kids to choose from, such as traditional and mechanical toothbrushes. Many kids’ toothbrushes even come with built-in music that plays for two minutes so your children know how long to brush their teeth. These could make tempting choices for your kids. Dentists recommend using a toothpaste with fluoride to protect kids' enamel, so let your children choose a flavor they like as long as the product includes this essential ingredient. Your dentist can also recommend oral care products that are specially designed for children’s specific needs, such as cavity prevention.

Keep your kids smiling and their teeth healthy with help from All Smiles Harrisonburg in Harrisonburg, VA. Their team of dentists and oral care staff provide professional, patient-focused care for children and adults of all ages. Learn more about their family dentistry services online or call (540) 432-1300 to make an appointment with the dentist today.