Brushing is a crucial part of your child’s dental care practices, ensuring proper teeth development, strong gums, and an overall healthy mouth. However, as many parents can attest, getting a child to brush twice a day can be an ongoing battle, even with help from your dentist. To help make brushing fun and to get your child excited about this important self-care routine, consider these three tips.

How to Get Your Child Excited About Brushing

1. Let Them Pick Out Their Toothbrush & Toothpaste

Manufacturers of kids' dental care products understand that little ones sometimes need an extra incentive to brush regularly. This is why you'll see plenty of kid-centric options for toothbrushes and toothpaste. Take advantage of these options and allow your child to pick their own oral care products. Appealing options include toothbrushes adorned with images of superheroes or animated characters and toothpaste in exciting (and non-minty) flavors like bubble gum and strawberry. Ask your dentist for recommended brands.

2. Make It a Game

Turn brushing into an engaging and fun activity by making the whole process a game. Make it into a race against the clock by setting a timer. Cheer your child along as they brush. You could also play a song they enjoy and encourage them to dance along to the tune as they brush. There are also smartphone and tablet apps designed with timers and music to make brushing even more flashy and interactive.

3. Offer Incentives

Positive reinforcement can work wonders when it comes to kids' dental care. If a child is particularly resistant to brushing, offer small rewards each time they satisfactorily complete the task. Choose incentives like a sticker, a chance to playing their favorite game, or the opportunity to listen to a story of their choice. Of course, never reward brushing with sugary treats. You can also offer a reward if they were particularly cooperative during a visit to the dentist.

Regular visits to the dentist should also be a part of kids' dental health routines. Dr. Yongsok Do, DMD, and his team at Keiki Dental offer children's dentistry services to patients up to 15 years old in the Ewa Beach, HI, area. They provide preventative and specialized oral healthcare treatment, including exams, restorations, orthodontics, and dental sedation. Call (808) 680-9411 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more.