Making Dental Care Fun for Kids - Here’s How!

This is why it is best to make it exciting so that their oral health isn’t boring and unimportant to them. Developing this mindset early on will help a great deal in the future.

So, as a parent or a guardian, what can you do to make dental care fun for kids?

Let’s take a look!

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Together

Kids tend to mimic their parents. So take advantage of this and make brushing and flossing a part of your together time. Show your child your best brushing moves and encourage them to do the same. After brushing, you can help them floss their teeth and as they get older, they can do it on their own. Make your brushing and flossing routine more exciting by making up a rhyme about it or creating your own fun song. Do something unique and entertaining so that your kid really looks forward to it.

Use a Special Toothbrush

This is one of the most fun ways to keep your child interested in cleaning their teeth. Get a fun toothbrush, with their favorite animal or cartoon character on it. You could opt for bright colors that stand out. Also, choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles so it’s easy for your kid to use.

Keep an Eye on the Time

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for two whole minutes. But how do you know if your kid is spending enough time brushing his/her teeth? Use a fun timer, preferably the one with sand in it as it fascinates kids so much. Make sure you get one that’s brightly colored. Your child can just flip it over and start brushing!

Get a Special Toothpaste as well!

You can get different toothpaste for your child because they might not necessarily like the one you use. Instead, your kids will love the idea of cleaning their teeth with their own special toothpaste that tastes like their favorite fruit!

Use Videos

Watch videos about dental care and hygiene. Some of these videos feature songs that are good enough for a brushing session that’s two minutes long. There are so many options available online so you can choose a different one every day. Play it on your phone or tablet as the two of you go on a brushing spree together.

Implement a Reward System

Having a reward system in place will motivate your child to brush and floss regularly. Place a poster by the sink that shows the number of times they’ve brushed. Add a sticker or use a color pen to check the list off every time they brush. You can use creative stickers of snacks, a tooth or a brush to make it more fun. Additionally, you can draw and color your own unique stickers with your child for increased involvement.

Pick a Kid-Friendly Dentist

Choose a pediatric dentist in Garland, Tx as they have special training in making dental care a fun and exciting activity for kids. Before you choose a dentist for your child, ensure that they are well-trained and experienced.

Get Your Kids in the Right Frame of Mind Before Visiting a Dentist

It is recommended to see your dentist every six months which is a prospect that can be scary for many kids. So ensure that you talk it all out and let them know beforehand about the appointment you made. Use picture books to explain what it’s going to be like. You can even do some role-playing to let them know about what they can expect from their visit to the dentist.

Once you visit, make sure that you reward them for their good behavior with a fun activity, their favorite show or maybe an ice cream! If you don’t know where to find the best dentist in Garland, Tx, ask your health care provider for suggestions.

Some Additional Tips to Inculcate Good Oral Care Habits

• Keep an eye on kids younger than 8 years old - Ensure that your child doesn’t use more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for brushing. And ensure that they spit out the paste instead of swallowing once they’re done brushing.

• Make dental care a family event - You can involve the whole family when brushing your teeth especially during bedtime. You and your partner can demonstrate the right brushing and flossing techniques and set a good example.

• Buy a toothbrush that’s correctly sized - Pick a toothbrush that’s appropriate for your child’s age and level of development. For toddlers, toothbrushes are usually wide with easy-to-hold handles, soft bristles, and narrow heads. For older children, handles are longer that reflect their improved coordination with larger heads suitable for growing teeth and mouths.

And with that, we wrap up our list of making dental care fun for kids! See if you can do us one better and come up with more fun and interesting techniques that’ll make the whole experience more enjoyable for your child!