For many children, practicing dental hygiene is fun. However, for some, it can be daunting or boring. Helping kids have a healthy smile through brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups is a job for parents and teachers.
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Image source: kidsdentistree.com
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Parents and kids should
brush and floss together. This encourages children to follow what their parents do. A parent must show their kid the proper technique to brush and floss so that the latter can mimic the best method in keeping teeth healthy.
Give the child a
special brush to keep their interest in brushing. Pick ones that have the child’s favorite cartoon character as the design.
Keep track of time in order to teach the child to brush their teeth for a good couple of minutes. Use a sand timer and ask the kid to flip it to begin, and brush until all the sand is at the bottom.
Partner the special toothbrush with a
special toothpaste to instill love and pleasure for the activity. While a kid may like the minty flavor of regular toothpaste, reward them for their obedience with a fruity-flavored toothpaste.
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Image source: hellokidsdentistry.com
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Show content that display good oral health to encourage the child to do the same. Make brushing and flossing twice a day an opportunity to follow a
reward system. When a child agrees to visit the dentist for a check-up, be sure to
surprise him or her with a fun family activity afterwards. This lets them know that they are appreciated for their obedience, and that taking good care of their teeth reaps rewards.
Kami Hoss MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. For more updates from Dr. Kami Hoss, subscribe to this blog.
