If you have children, you know that sometimes they don’t want to brush their teeth. And even when they do brush, they may not take it as seriously as they should, right? The truth is that to improve kids’ dental habits, it may be necessary to provide incentives and look for ways to make brushing and flossing fun for them.
Let’s explore some daily routines and why Clarkson Dental Group is an ideal choice for your dental needs in Chesterfield, MO, and the surrounding area.
Ways to Make Brushing and Flossing Fun
There are several things you can do to decrease the drudgery of daily brushing and flossing:
- Play music — Kids love music, so play one of their favorite songs while they brush and encourage them to brush until the song is over. You can even find apps that offer timers and cute songs about brushing and flossing.
- Make it a game — Have a competition to see who can brush for a certain amount of time without stopping or floss between each tooth. You can pretend to fight the sugar monsters and use plaque tablets to show the areas where your kids need to brush more thoroughly.
- Brush together — Because they learn by seeing you do things, consider brushing your teeth when they brush their teeth. Turning this into a family activity can improve everyone’s oral health and build relationships.
Incentives That Inspire Good Dental Hygiene
There’s nothing like a reward system to get kids to brush and floss their teeth. Set up a sticker chart or a special calendar, allowing your child to earn rewards after they collect a certain number of stickers. These rewards could be for a healthy snack, a family outing, or a new book.
Children’s Oral Health Tips
As your child gets older, their dental needs change, so here are some oral health tips for different ages in Chesterfield, MO:
- Infants and toddlers — Schedule their first visit when they get their first tooth and brush their teeth for them until they’re old enough to do it on their own.
- Children — Supervise their brushing and give them pointers on technique. Make sure to take them to the dentist every six months for preventive care, including fluoride and sealants.
- Teens — Be sure to monitor their brushing and flossing habits, especially if they wear braces or clear aligners. And don’t forget to take them to the dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
Looking for a Dentist in Chesterfield, MO?
If your child needs pediatric dental care in Chesterfield, MO, or if you find yourself searching online for a “general/family dentist near me,” we hope you’ll consider Clarkson Dental Group! Our caring team loves providing brushing tips for kids and helping your family create healthy smile routines.