Good oral health requires regular teeth cleaning, including brushing and flossing daily. Instilling these habits in your children while they’re young helps them grow healthy smiles. Although baby teeth aren’t permanent, if they fall out early, such as from a cavity, adult teeth may grow in crookedly to fill the gap. Avoid the hefty orthodontics fees and get your little ones excited about their dental hygiene with these tips.

How to Get Kids Excited About Teeth Cleaning

1. Get Kid-Friendly Tools

Buying your little ones a special toothbrush they love can make teeth cleaning more appealing. If they have a cartoon character or superhero they adore, look for branded products. Opt for soft bristles, which are gentle on young gums and enamel—the protective coating on teeth.

2. Make It a Team Effort

You might have noticed your child watching with fascination as you do your makeup or shave. Kids love to mimic the people they admire most. Set a good example by brushing and flossing together. This gives you a chance to supervise and ensure the process is being done correctly.

3. Download a Dental Care App

Kids should be brushing for two minutes. Help them keep track of time with an app. The Disney^® Magic Timer features 23 different Marvel^®, Disney, and Star Wars^® characters to keep kids amused while they brush.

4. Play Pretend

Getting kids used to professional teeth cleaning appointments at a young age staves off dentistry-related nerves as they get older. Make the process less scary and more familiar by practicing on a stuffed animal. You can also play dentist at home, taking turns being the patient and the practitioner.

5. Make Adjustments as Needed

Kids are highly sensitive, so adapt as needed to make teeth cleaning comfortable for them. If they don't like the minty flavor of regular toothpaste, try a fruity option. Maybe the cold water is a shock for them; try using lukewarm water for rinsing instead. If they can't seem to get a handle on a manual toothbrush, try an electric model. 

Alaska Dentistry for Kids in Anchorage provides tailor-made treatment for young patients. Dr. Chris Coplin and his team handle everything from routine fillings to teeth cleanings and treatments for tongue-tie syndrome. Visit their website for a full list of services, or call (907) 274-2525 to schedule an appointment.