If you’re a parent, getting your child to appreciate dental care isn’t always easy. Fortunately, you can overcome these challenges by making oral hygiene something that the entire family enjoys. By following these tips, you can make the experience fun for your entire household, and in turn, encourage your little one to brush and floss well.

5 Creative Ways to Make Dental Hygiene a Fun Family Routine

1. Brush Teeth Together

When kids view dental care as a chore, they may be less willing to engage with the activity. To work around this obstacle, make brushing and flossing a family routine. With repetition, your child will look forward to teeth cleaning as a time they get to have fun with their loved ones.

2. Play a Song

For the best clean, people should brush their teeth for two full minutes during each session. Unfortunately, many—including adults—have trouble meeting this time requirement. By picking out a song that everyone enjoys and playing it for two minutes, your family can focus on dancing while they brush without having to worry about stopping short.

3. Take Turns Brushing

To help your little one contextualize their own oral hygiene, consider having them brush your teeth. While you may need to brush again to get a proper clean, this experience allows kids to get a better feel for all the teeth that need to be cleaned—and how to reach them.

4. Turn the Toothbrush Into a Toy

While children may only get to practice brushing their own teeth twice a day, they can still take up the activity during playtime. For example, you might give your child a spare toothbrush that they can use on dolls and other toys. This play can help little ones get more familiar with oral hygiene processes, and they may become more comfortable with visiting the dentist if they can act it out with their toys ahead of the appointment.

5. Embrace Friendly Competition

If you have older kids, you might challenge everyone in your family to brush and floss on schedule. Every time they succeed without a reminder, they can earn a sticker. The first person to reach a certain number of stickers can win a small but encouraging prize—such as getting to pick a meal for dinner or a movie to watch as a family.

As you improve your hygiene practices at home, Chinook Family Dentistry tends to the complex dental care needs of you and your children. Serving patients of all ages, this Anchorage, AK, dentist can care for your family’s oral health in a calm and comfortable atmosphere. Whether your little one is due for a teeth cleaning or you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, this team will work with you to develop personalized solutions that protect and perfect your smile. For more details on their dental care services, visit this clinic online. To schedule a convenient appointment, call (907) 272-8422.