Here’s How to Make Oral Hygiene Fun for the Family

When you brush your teeth, do you automatically just go on autopilot? Do you have a hard time getting your little ones excited about caring for their smile? These are two signs that your oral hygiene regimen has become stagnant and boring – it doesn’t have to be! Keep reading for five must-know tips for making dental care fun for the whole family.

Tip #1. Get the Right Tools

Oral hygiene shouldn’t be boring, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a dentist. One of the best ways to revive your dental care regimen is by investing in the right tools. For the adults in your family, that might mean upgrading from manual to electric. For the kids in your family, that might mean buying some bubblegum-flavored toothpaste or a pre-threaded flosser.

Tip #2. Play Some Upbeat Music

Who says you have to complete your dental care regimen in silence? Instead, create a fun playlist filled with upbeat music that all of your loved ones will enjoy! Bonus tip: pick songs that are about two minutes. This will help everyone in your family be mindful of the amount of time they are brushing. Remember, you need a full two minutes to thoroughly clean each and every surface of your teeth.

Tip #3. Make It a Family Activity

Between work, school, and extracurricular events, your family’s schedule is probably jam-packed. As a result, you might not spend as much time together. So, why not make your oral hygiene routine a bonding activity? After all, everyone needs to brush and floss their teeth before heading to bed! Plus, this will allow you to keep an eye on any little ones in your family so you know they are cleaning their teeth properly.

Tip #4. Celebrate Progress

Progress deserves to be celebrated! For example, every morning and evening your little one brushes their teeth thoroughly, they can earn a gold star. If they have five gold stars at the end of the week, then they can pick a fun outing for the family or get a new trinket. And don’t forget to do something nice for yourself too, parents! Engraining healthy dental habits in your children is a big feat, and you deserve to be celebrated too. Pick an enticing reward for yourself so you’ll be motivated to keep your family’s oral hygiene routines on-track, even when you don’t feel like it.

Tip #5. Schedule Your Biannual Dental Appointments Together

Scheduling everyone’s dental checkup and cleaning at the same time won’t just benefit your schedule, it will benefit your family! Not only will your kids be able to encourage and support one another in the treatment chair, but they will also be able to play together during your appointment. Plus, if anyone in your family struggles with a bit of nerves, they can watch the adults, making the whole process feel more normal and less scary. As a result, scheduling your dental appointments together can play a crucial role in everyone viewing their six-month visits in a positive light.

At first, getting everyone in your family excited about dental care may seem near impossible. The good news is that there are several ways you can pique their interest, from new toothbrushes and fun music to weekly rewards! The end result will be a group of loved ones who have healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. If you want to learn more about how to spruce up your oral hygiene regimen, don’t hesitate to reach out! My team would love to help you create a fun, solid, and realistic dental care routine for you and your family.