Kids love playing games. But when it comes to brushing and flossing, most kids would skip it altogether if they could. If you’re having a hard time getting your little ones to brush and floss every day, turning that daily hygiene routine into a fun time can really help. Here are a few ideas to make dental hygiene fun for your kids.
- Start with the right supplies. There are plenty of kid-themed toothbrushes and toothpastes, so find your little one’s favorite animated characters to liven up their brushing and flossing routine. And make sure to find kid-friendly dental floss that is gentler on their sensitive gums.
- Combine dancing and brushing. Most kids – and most adults, for that matter – don’t brush their teeth for as long as they should. Kids should brush their teeth for two minutes, so why not help them make the time go faster? Play their favorite songs for two minutes, and encourage them to dance along with the tunes for two minutes. The time will fly by!
- Brush your teeth at the same time. You know the old saying that you have to lead by example? Brushing and flossing at the same time as your kids is a great example of just how true that is. Brushing together also gives you a chance to watch them as they brush and floss to make sure they’re doing it thoroughly and properly.
- Find fun books about oral hygiene for kids. There are plenty of great books available that are intended to teach your little ones all about oral health and how important it is to brush and floss each day. Sharing these books with your kids will help them to understand how important it is to take care of our teeth and gums, and that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary.
- Choose a dentist that advertises as a “family dentist” and/or one that specializes in pediatric dentistry. It’s hard for kids to feel comfortable going to the dentist, and dental professionals who are trained in working with kids and are accustomed to having little ones for patients are best equipped to make your kids’ trips to the dentist easier.
If you have a hard time getting your kids to brush and floss each day, maybe it’s time to take a different approach. Instead of nagging them to get it done, why not make it fun? That’s the best way to help your kids maintain good oral health and develop daily oral hygiene habits they can follow for a lifetime.
