Health is a lifelong endeavor. When it comes to oral hygiene, not all kids are excited about brushing twice a day. Here are tips from a dentist to help your child establish good habits early on.

Ways to Make Brushing Fun for Your Child

1. Do a Song & Dance

Kids love music. From learning the alphabet to cleaning their room, if a song is involved, they’re more likely to enjoy it. Find a two-minute song, whether it’s one they already know or a special tooth-brushing tune, and play it while they brush. You can also come up with a simple dance to accompany it, like shimmying and kicking their feet. Don’t make it so complicated it distracts from the task at hand. Musical toothbrushes are another option. These are programmed with perfect-length songs and come in cool colors kids love.

2. Make It a Family Affair

Children learn by example. When they see you and their older siblings doing something, they’ll want to do it too. Make oral hygiene a family activity by brushing together every morning and night. This helps them make it a habit.

3. Give Them Choices

Let your child choose their tools. Take them to the store to pick out toothpaste in a flavor they like and a toothbrush with their favorite color or cartoon character. It may seem like a small gesture, but children appreciate having a say. They’ll be more excited about oral care when they like the items they’re working with.

4. Make a Chart

Children love seeing visual progress and being rewarded for it. A brushing chart helps them stay on track with their hygiene routine. Print a free chart from the internet or make one of your own, and put a sticker on the chart for each time they brush. After a certain period, like a week or a month, reward them with a picnic in the park, a trip to the library, or even a small toy. They’ll be proud of themselves, and their dentist will appreciate it, too.

If you’re a Waterloo, IN, parent in search of a dentist for your child, look no further than Beard & Holmen LTD. This local dentist has served Monroe County for over 25 years, providing a range of general and cosmetic dentistry services for the whole family. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help keep your child smiling brightly and call (618) 939-7181 to schedule an appointment.