Your child has reached the age that they can begin brushing their teeth without help. However, getting your child to brush his or her teeth can be a challenge. So how do you get your child excited about dental hygiene? How do you convince them that caring for their pearly whites can be fun? Dr. Preece, Dr. Church, and our team are excited to share some tips with you.
Tracking Time
As you know, brushing twice a day is very important. However, many do not brush for long enough. A helpful way to train your child to brush his or her teeth for two minutes twice daily is to keep track of time in fun ways. A two-minute sand timer is a fun way to do this. Your child could flip the timer over and then begin to brush. Another way to keep track is by having your child listen to a two-minute song.
Brush & Floss Together
To get your child excited about brushing their teeth, consider making it a family event. Children mimic what they see their parents doing and so can learn by example. Show your child proper brushing and flossing technique. If your child is too young to brush on their own, help them.
Let Your Child Choose
Your child may be more eager to brush his or her teeth if he or she has a say in choosing their toothbrush or toothpaste. Many children’s toothbrushes and toothpastes come in bright colors or have a fun cartoon character on them. Children’s toothpastes come in fun flavors like watermelon or cherry. Your child may be excited to brush with their new, special toothbrush and toothpaste!
Stickers
Make a chart or a poster with your child with spaces for every day of the month. You can include pictures of teeth, toothbrushes, and other oral health pictures if you like. Have your child place stickers on the poster each time they brush their teeth.
Making dental health care fun for your child is possible! Contact Preece, Church & Associates at 817-741-6100 today for more exciting ideas and to set up your child’s visit with our dentists in Fort Worth, Texas.