9 Ways to Get Your Kids to Take Care of Their Teeth

Tooth decay is a major chronic disease that is prevalent among American children. More than 51 million school hours are lost every year due to dental-related illnesses. However, tooth decay is preventable which means that parents and guardians show know the significance of caring for their children’s teeth.

Baby teeth are very important since they help children to eat as well as develop their speech. As you will learn from children dentists in Dearborn, baby teeth also help to guide the development of permanent teeth to prevent issues that may require braces or surgery to be corrected.

The following are 11 ways to help kids take care of their teeth. Taking care of teeth involves regular visits to the dentist, daily brushing and flossing as well as maintaining a diet with less sugar.

Teach children the purpose of their toothbrush

You must first teach your child the importance of a toothbrush and brushing their teeth at a tender age to make it a daily routine. Once kids understand the significance of brushing their teeth, they are likely to respond positively. It is only natural for humans to be more inclined to do something when there is a benefit attached to it.

Let your child pick a toothbrush

After visiting a children dentist near you, you should have an idea of the“perfect toothbrush” for your kid. Without exerting total control over your kids, allow them to pick toothbrushes of their choice while you provide guidance only. Also allow the kids to pick toothpaste of their choice that fits the recommendations provided by your dentist.

Join in on the fun

Make it a habit to brush teeth with your kids daily. Try to make the task fun so that it can be enjoyable. Your child will not view it as punishment and they will gradually develop a positive attitude towards brushing their teeth rather than seeing it as some sort of chore or even punishment.

Create a reward system for your child

You should offer rewards for good behavior to reinforce a positive attitude. A reward system can motivate your child to prioritize their oral hygiene. Instant rewards can play the trick. Note, rewards don’t have to be materialistic items or sugary/unhealthy treats. Incentives include: trips to their favorite park, movie tickets, or even allowing them to spend time with their friends.

Use a timer game

Use a timer when your child is brushing their teeth to prevent any distractions. You can set the timer for two minutes and it will help the child focus on something which in turn inculcates positive behavior. It is essential to brush for a minimum of two minutes to properly remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth.

Watch programs about tooth brushing with your child

Pick a program that you can watch with your child to provide insight into the importance of oral hygiene. Alternatively, you can also pick a favorite story about brushing teeth. There are many child-friendly television shows and books that cover important topics like dental care.

Tell stories when brushing teeth

You can also use the time for brushing teeth to share interesting stories. You can leave the story on a cliff-hanger hanging so your child will be eager to hear how the story ends the following day. This will naturally motivate them to brush.

Set-up a routine

Teach your child to brush their teeth every day at a particular time. This will become a routine which they would not want to miss as they grow up. A dentist in Dearborn can also provide valuable information about how to teach your children to take care of their oral health.

Spend time with your kids

It is crucial to spend some time with your kids and freely talk about their concerns so that you create a strong bond with them. Children can learn quickly from their parents if a strong bond exists between them. Dental care is just one example of how you can bond with your children.

Don’t forget to also bring your child to our dental clinic near you for regular checkups. These appointments are vital to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile.