Kids are known for being cute, funny, precocious, and stubbornly reluctant to practice proper oral hygiene. While getting your child into good dental habits early on can set them up for a lifetime of excellent oral health, it can be quite difficult to get them excited about brushing and flossing. Luckily, good habits are just as hard to break as bad ones, so getting them hooked on oral care early can help them plot a smooth course to lifelong excellent health. Here are a few ways to make dental hygiene more fun for kids.
Model Good Habits
Children are eager to show how grown-up they are, and they define what they consider grown-up based entirely on the behavior of the adults in their lives. Accordingly, one of the best things you can do to help your child develop excellent dental hygiene habits is to practice them yourself. Every day, you should brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food debris. It’s equally crucial to attend biannual dental appointments so your teeth can receive professional care.
Make Dental Hygiene a Family Affair
One of the best ways to model good oral hygiene for your child is to brush and floss alongside them. This gives your child the chance to learn how to thoroughly and carefully clean their teeth by watching you. A few excellent tips include:
- When you brush, take care to treat each surface of the tooth using gentle, circular strokes so you can eliminate the most plaque and debris possible without scratching your enamel.
- When flossing, gently slide the floss between each pair of teeth. Don’t press too hard into the gum tissue, as this can lead to injuries and gum recession.
Make Dental Hygiene a Game
Kids are great at using their imaginations, and giving them some helpful imagery can help them understand the importance of good oral health. You might try describing harmful oral bacteria as the diabolical sugar monsters that want to destroy your child’s teeth and explaining that their toothbrush is a powerful weapon that can keep these ghoulish beasts at bay. Alternately, you might describe their teeth as a castle that they must maintain with excellent oral hygiene.
Excellent oral health habits are among the best gifts you can give to your child. By getting your kid on board with flossing and brushing early, you can put them on a path to a lifetime with a beautiful smile and stellar oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Homer Sedighi earned his dental doctorate at the Washington University School of Dental Medicine before completing a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the West County Dental Society, and his office in Chesterfield offers general, restorative, and emergency dentistry for children. To learn more about teaching your child excellent oral hygiene, contact his office online or dial (636) 777-7777.