Oral hygiene poses a challenge for many parents. If their children don’t learn good oral care habits at a young age, they may develop cavities quickly and face discomforting treatment. As a result, the child may develop a fear of going to the dentist, which doubly threatens their future health. The trick to avoiding this cycle of poor dental care is to make brushing and flossing a fun activity to begin with. Follow these tips to help your kids look forward to bedtime.

4 Ways to Make Oral Hygiene Enjoyable for Your Kids

1. Start With a Fun Toothbrush

If you’ve already been to an office that provides quality family dentistry services, you may have noticed that the children’s examination rooms are filled with bright colors or activities. This helps them focus their minds on something positive—and a new toothbrush can do the same thing. While it’s important to choose a soft-bristled brush that bears the seal of the American Dental Association, it’s easy to find quality brushes that feature cartoon and comic book characters. A favorite character will bring an extra level of comfort when it’s time to brush.

2. Turn Brushing Into a Game

Oral hygiene will be more fun if it involves a game. This is easy to do when you follow the recommendation to brush for two minutes twice a day. Invest in an hourglass with colorful sand or look for another timer that will be fun for your child to use. By watching the timer as they brush, your child will enjoy being thorough.

3. Buy Special Toothpaste 

Give your kids something of their own when you buy them personal toothpaste. There are many fun flavors, such as watermelon or blueberry, that can make brushing more enjoyable. If you’re concerned that a strawberry-flavored toothbrush isn’t as effective, you can check the packaging for the ADA seal or ask a dentist.

4. Offer Rewards for a Good Week

Each time your children brush and floss their teeth correctly, you can give them a gold star on a wall calendar. Once they earn a certain number of gold stars, you can reward them with a healthy treat or some time doing their favorite activities. This gives them a goal to work toward while reinforcing good oral care habits. 

Located in Norcross, GA, ICare Dentistry provides comprehensive dentistry services for the whole family. Their staff is experienced and skilled in providing the special care that young children need so you can be assured they’ll have positive oral hygiene experiences. The practice also offers an in-house orthodontics team if your kids need braces or other corrective devices. To meet the compassionate team, visit their website. Call (770) 609-6106 to make an appointment today.