Brushing and flossing your teeth are two essential habits to maintaining a healthy oral cavity. Going to the dentist at least twice a year is also a key to keeping your teeth and gums in excellent shape. These actions sound easy, right? They might be simple tasks for you but for your little one, this is where things get complicated.
Kids don’t want to take care of their oral health as it is seen as a chore and young children are unable to keep their teeth and gums clean on their own. What do you do to ensure your child has a healthy oral cavity? Make all oral hygiene things fun! Young ones love having fun so are more likely to keep their mouth healthy if you add a little excitement into the routine.
Dance to the rhythm of your toothbrush. Try getting your little one involved in a dance that keeps them brushing those little teeth for about 2 minutes to ensure he/she cleans their teeth for an appropriate amount of time to get them clean. As a bonus, dancing with a song that pertains to dental will help him/her get in the groove while learning about teeth. This toothbrush dance will become something that your little girl/boy anticipates, and he/she won’t even realize they are taking time to brush their teeth.
You can even try finding an electric toothbrush that has music playing from it. An electric brush can scrub that grime off your child’s teeth without the effort required from a regular toothbrush.
Your little child will be more likely to brush and floss his/her teeth when they are rewarded for their efforts. Consider giving your kid a fun little sticker each time they brush or floss. They can place their stickers in a book to show off the great oral health routine they are following. Once your child has acquired a month’s worth of stickers, you could reward him/her with an extra special treat such as a stuffed toy or a special movie day.
If your child needs to go to the dentist and doesn’t want to, let them know there is nothing to be afraid of and it can even be fun as they can watch tv while getting their teeth looked at. Try finding a dentist’s office with a television in each room so that your little one has entertainment during their visit, allowing them to feel more comfortable as their mind is distracted during treatment. Stoney Trail Dental has high definition televisions and even lets you go in with your little one during treatments. You can keep your child comfortable at a dentist that truly cares about children.
Starting and maintaining a good oral health routine while you are young seeps into your habits later in life. Having a healthy mouth means a happy smile and a positive dental future.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on January 23, 2020
