5 Great Ideas to Make Brushing Your Teeth Fun
The best time for a person to develop good oral health habits is during their childhood. Learning to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily from an early age significantly influences a person's oral health in the long run. People who have taken care of their teeth for a long time tend to not suffer from tooth decay or gum disease and as a result, don't suffer from tooth loss. However, it can be very challenging to get your children to understand the importance of these habits and the long-term consequences of not having them. In this article, you will learn 5 ways to get your children to enjoy brushing their teeth and the importance of taking them to a dental clinic near you.
Set an example
Children are like sponges, meaning that they absorb and learn everything around them. Therefore, it is a good idea to take advantage of this characteristic of your child's mind and let them copy some good things, like brushing their teeth. This is why dentists recommend parents to let their children watch them brush and floss their teeth. Your child will want to emulate what you are doing and in the long run, they will also develop the habit. Also, you can use this moment to teach them the proper technique. If you are not sure if you have good technique, you could ask your dentist at your next visit to a Fort Myers dental clinic.
Depending on the child's age, they may need some help. If this is the case, you should first brush their teeth and then give them the toothbrush to finish it off. This way, you can ensure that all teeth were targeted while still letting your child feel accomplished in having finished the task. Also, you should take into consideration if your child knows how to spit. Generally, children under the age of 3 aren't reliable spitters and should only use a smear of toothpaste, while those older than 3 may use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Let them choose their own toothbrush
It is important to give your child something to look forward to when brushing their teeth. An easy way to do so is by going to your local store and letting them pick a toothbrush. Nowadays, there are many options for children, and you will find toothbrushes with superheroes, princesses, and many different cartoons. This is far more exciting than a simple toothbrush that may be seen as a monotonous object by your child. It is vital to change the toothbrush every 3 months, once the bristles have become too soft since they won't remove plaque as efficiently as before.
Try a song or a dance
A great way to make brushing fun is by doing it while singing a song or doing a dance. This may be particularly beneficial in the mornings when your kids have just woken up and are cranky.
Involve their toys in the process
Some dentists recommend having a tooth brushing companion for your child. This could be one of your kid's toys, like a teddy bear. Having their favorite toy by their side might make them feel a sense of comfort.
Reward them
Your kids won't hesitate to brush their teeth if you offer some kind of reward after they are done. Some parents use stickers, while others let their kids watch TV or play video games only after brushing their teeth. Finally, don't forget to take them regularly to a dentist who offers dentistry near you.
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