Building a solid foundation for dental care is crucial for your child’s oral health. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly are essential for preventing cavities and gum disease. It’s not always easy to get kids to adopt oral hygiene habits, which is why you need to get creative. Dental care doesn’t have to be a burden; follow these tips to make it fun. 

Ways to Get Children to Adopt Dental Care Habits

1. Buy Fun Products

Many dental care manufacturers now create products designed specifically for children. Many are easier to handle and often feature cartoon characters and other fun designs. Let your child pick out their toothbrush. Also, purchase fun-flavored toothpaste and easy-to-use floss alternatives to create a better experience.

2. Create Games

Children love games, so create one for brushing and flossing. Build a daily, weekly, and monthly challenge calendar to track their habits and set goals. Reward them when they reach milestones with a trip to somewhere they want to go. This is a good time to educate them on the importance of visiting the dentist and taking care of their teeth. Gradually, they’ll build a natural habit via the challenges.

3. Build a Relationship With the Dentist

It’s important for your child to build a relationship with the dentist early. Many dental phobias lead to delayed or ignored care and can have serious consequences like gum disease. Explain how important the dentist is and schedule a welcome visit where your child can get comfortable. Once they realize that there’s nothing to be afraid of, they’ll be more willing to get teeth cleanings and stick to their oral health regimen.

If your child is overdue for a teeth cleaning, turn to the dentists at Dansville Family Dental Care. Serving Livingston County, NY, their skilled team provides a number of dental care services, including cosmetic dentistry enhancements, such as dental implants. They welcome patients of every age and are committed to building lasting relationships. Call (585) 335-6170 to schedule an exam, or visit their website to learn more about the practice.