Home teeth cleanings are essential to maintaining oral hygiene at every age. Yet, many children are reluctant to complete tasks that they don’t consider fun — and unfortunately, brushing often falls into this category. However, you can make dental care an engaging activity for your little ones with the following tricks.

How to Promote Tooth Brushing in Kids

1. Let Them Choose the Tools

Children like to have some ownership over their activities. So, you might allow them to choose a kid-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste from the store. This simple trick can make them feel like they’re playing a major role in the process of caring for their teeth, fostering independence and compliance.

2. Make It a Family Activity

If you have a young child who likes to follow your lead, you can encourage them to do at-home teeth cleanings by displaying your habits. Brush when they do, and encourage other family members to get involved as well.

3. Play a Favorite Song

Brushing time goes by quickly when you’re enjoying a favorite song. Give your child the option to put on any tune they like and set the timer on your phone to two minutes. If you have multiple children, take turns allowing everyone to pick a song.

4. Institute a Reward System

If you think your child might respond well to incentives, consider a reward system. Set up a chart and place one sticker on each day they brush in the morning and evening. A month’s worth of brushing could earn them a “prize,” such as a trip to the library or park.

5. Consider an App

Nowadays, there are many children’s apps available to disguise tooth brushing as a fun game. For instance, Chomper Chums allows children to gather digital coins by brushing and flossing to “buy” food for a virtual animal. Toothsavers appeals to storybook fans, as it allows players to take on the lead hero’s role in a fairy tale, saving the kingdom with their healthy habits.

While brushing and flossing at home are critical, professional teeth cleanings and exams are also important for rounding out your child’s dental care. If you’re seeking a dependable dentist’s office for the whole family, visit Kennedy Dental Group in Anchorage, AK. This practice is led by experienced professionals who offer a broad range of preventive and restorative solutions using industry-leading technologies and practices. Find out more about their solutions for the whole family online or call (907) 277-5684 to make an appointment.