Make oral hygiene fun for your kids!

Do your kids run and hide when it’s toothbrushing time? Is it a struggle to get them to brush thoroughly and for the full two minutes? We get it! Most children have much more important and fun things to do than worry about their teeth, but teaching them about proper oral hygiene practices early on will help them develop life-long habits that can keep their dental health in check for life.

Whether it is brushing together as a family or singing silly songs about dental health, children often learn from their parents and when the activity is exciting. At Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry in Salem, Ore., we want to make sure all of our patients are keeping up with effective and proper oral hygiene routines so we can help them keep smiling for years to come. In our line of work, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to work with children who don’t want to take care of their teeth, and we’ve come up with a few simple ideas that have helped get them interested in oral care. Perhaps a few will work for your children as well.

1. Oral Hygiene Educational Games and Apps

Technology is prevalent in today’s society, and many children now find it easy to understand new concepts when they’re taught in an app or via a game. There are dozens of educational videos and apps online that show children how to properly brush and floss their teeth, and some even share resources that detail what goes on during a visit to the dentist. If your child is a visual learner, search for some dental-themed, kid-friendly resources your child would like to engage with online.

2. Brush together.

The family that brushes together stays together. It has been proven that children learn from watching others, especially those who they trust and admire. So why not take the time to brush your teeth together as a family? During this time, parents can teach their children the proper brushing techniques, as well as monitor how long they brush. Brushing together can also create a nice bonding experience, giving you time to catch up with your kids and find out what is on their minds.

Dentists recommend we all brush our teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. To help make sure that time is filled, you can teach your children to brush their teeth in quadrants, focusing on each section (back, front, and sides) for at least 30 seconds. Before they know it, their two minutes will be up and they’ll be able to resume whatever activity they were doing before.

3. Reward Charts

If your child is motivated by rewards, consider making a chart to record when they brush. For children who like to track their progress or see how long they can consistently do something, a reward chart is a perfect way to keep them engaged. Every time your child brushes their teeth, and brushes them properly, they can receive a sticker to add to the chart. Once they have earned a certain number of stickers, you can reward them with a small prize for their hard work.

4. Choosing a Special Toothbrush

Part of developing a healthy habit is finding what makes the habit enjoyable. For instance, your child might be motivated to brush their teeth if they have their own special toothbrush. They might be drawn to a certain colored toothbrush or one that has their favorite character on it. The best part is because a toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, your child can feel free to express themselves in many different ways with their toothbrush throughout the year.

Additionally, if your child doesn’t like the taste of traditional, minty toothpaste, there are a few children’s options out there to choose from, like bubblegum and fruit flavors. Just look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on products to find the ones that dentists all over the country recommend.

5. Share a story.

Many kids love a good story, especially before bedtime, so why not find some books focused on dental health to get them excited about brushing? There are many books out there that feature your child’s favorite characters, like Dora the Explorer and the Berenstain Bears, and take kids on a literary journey through proper brushing techniques, the importance of dental hygiene, and what to expect at the dentist. You can always find kid-friendly selections by searching online or asking a friendly librarian for a recommendation.

Visit Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry.

Besides learning about proper oral hygiene techniques, biannual visits to Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry in Salem, Oregon, should be part of your overall dental health plan. We’d love to see you and your children at least twice a year so we can monitor their overall dental health as they grow. Book an appointment with us today!