As Plantation Dental SSI continues to emphasize the importance of pediatric dental care and creating healthy habits, we wanted to share some creative ways to make oral hygiene fun for kids. Just a little bit of extra effort and something as simple as music can make the biggest difference in building these healthy habits early on. Say goodbye to toothbrushing battles and hello to sparkling smiles with these six tips!
Choose Fun Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
While this may sound silly at first, it is important to invest in dental equipment, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, that your child is excited to use. Let them pick out toothbrushes with their favorite cartoon characters and toothpaste that may come in various colors and flavors to make brushing more exciting.
Dental Treasure Hunt
Once you get the gist of which characters and colors they prefer, you can start hiding dental goodies and other toys around the bathroom for a treasure hunt. New flosses, toothpastes, and toothbrushes can be “buried” for your little explorers to “discover”. Sometimes adding a little element of surprise to their daily routine is all it takes!
Boogie While Brushing
Another idea is to turn toothbrushing time into a dance party! Create a playlist with your family’s favorite tunes. Then, press shuffle every morning and night. You can also try to encourage your child to brush and floss their teeth for the duration of the song. For younger kids, we recommend starting with just one song. This may help build association between that song and the act of brushing.
Brushing Sticker Chart
Have you ever heard of a chore chart? We recommend creating a brushing chart with colorful stickers! Every successful brushing session earns a special sticker that your little one gets to pick out. After a certain number of stickers are earned and the chart is filled, they get a special reward! Rewards can be something fancy, but they can also be simple. This includes small toys from the Dollar Store or a trip to get their favorite (teeth-friendly) treat. This is a great way to help children visualize their habits, while also providing them with an encouraging incentive to build healthy habits and brush their teeth consistently.
Interactive Apps
Is your kid tech-savvy and excited by new apps? Bring their excitement for new apps and games and pair it with something they may not yet enjoy such as brushing and flossing! There are numerous apps designed to help parents make oral care engaging for kids. Look for interactive apps or games that guide them through the proper techniques and steps for brushing their teeth as well. One notable app is Brush Monster, which uses augmented reality (AR) technology that allows kids to practice the brushing process digitally. It also lets parents see which areas were “brushed” properly and which areas may require some extra attention.
Lead by Example
Finally, be sure to lead by example! You can try to brush your teeth together and make it a bonding activity. Children often love mimicking their parents. Hence, if you seem excited to brush, they may also get excited about it. Children also love to spend time with their parents. If you accompany them each morning and night, it can be a great way to start and end the day together. The key is to make oral hygiene a positive and memorable experience, setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and shiny smiles!
Schedule your kids’ appointments today!
If you’re looking for a trusted general dentist near you in St. Simons Island, look no further than Plantation Dental SSI. Dr. Hopkins and his team of dental professionals are dedicated to providing you and your family with the best dental care possible in a friendly and comfortable environment. Call us today to learn more about our family and general dental services: (912) 638-9001.