Teaching kids the joy of healthy teeth, brushing, and flossing can be a delightful activity time. Each of us look forward to what we enjoy and remember, with fond memories, the bonding time we shared with our mother or father in the practice of good oral hygiene. Effective dental care is like all activities, we can have a battle or create an atmosphere of enjoyment as we create lasting memories of love, bonding, and dental health.   

Key ingredients which facilitate the joy of brushing:

Make your child feel like a BIG KID as they decide whether to brush or floss first, often one lovely motivator is control.

We all enjoy what we truly prefer. When shopping for the toothpaste or toothbrush, let the child select those dental care products.

Recall, the dentist is going to suggest different brushing techniques for your child, based upon their age and dexterity. Realizing a young child is only capable of the Scrub Technique whereas, an older child can perform the adult Bass Technique. 

Children do tend to enjoy toothbrushes that are colorful or that have pictures of cartoon characters they like. Since brushing limited to no less than 2 minutes, there are many creative toothbrushes which have a 2 minute song which plays and the child brushes until the music stops. Additionally, several toothpaste manufacturers also offer kid-friendly flavors like bubblegum and strawberry to make tooth brushing more enjoyable. 

Brushing can be Fun

Many kids find brushing fun and exciting, and as their mother fully focuses on the child and the brushing, giving an opportunity for praising the child and sharing moments that will be recalled for a lifetime. 

Products such as Red Cote can be used to disclose missed plaque and making the activity into somewhat of a game as the plaque is located and brushed away.

Games such as counting the baby teeth starting with the letter A on the top right back tooth and advancing to the top left tooth named letter J, then down to the lower left bak molar being letter K, and ending at the last back molar on the lower right, letter T.  

Brushing Progress

Finally, we all love being recognized for good achievement a simple chart can be created to display the grandness of their oral hygiene care.  then use a timer.

If they brush for the whole two minutes, put a star on the chart. After they receive enough stars, reward them.

Dr Teresa Wade would love to help you with your child’s oral health, so remember to visit her dental office twice each year at  Teresa Wade DDS - Family Dentistry in Andrews, TX, for a checkup. For 38 years, this trusted dental office has provided a relaxed environment dedicated to fostering good dental care habits. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including routine check ups and cleanings. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (432) 523-7782 to schedule a dental appointment.