If you have young children, then you know all too well the struggle of getting them to brush their teeth.
If you have young children, then you know all too well the struggle of getting them to brush their teeth. While they are still too little to grasp the fine motor control involved, you will have to do it for them. Once they get a bit older, though, you’ll need to convince them to do it for themselves. Here’s a guide on how to do it.
Have Them Join You
Getting your kids to brush their teeth is sometimes as simple as having them watch as you do it. That way, you can show them what to do. Plus, they’ll want to do whatever mom and dad are doing, even more so when they are still young and impressionable. Set a schedule for them and get them on a routine. Even if you make them go to bed much earlier than you do, the least you can do is to brush together. It’s another way to spend quality time and make happy memories.
Make It Fun
When it comes to kids, making everything a game is one great way to get them to do anything. Let them pick their own toothbrushes and toothpastes. The toothbrushes will be designed for kids, sure, but it can be a color that they like or based on their favorite cartoon character. Also, the types of toothpaste that are formulated for use by children are often bright, colorful, and sweet. That sweetness will help them enjoy the taste of brushing their teeth, and it’ll make them more keen on doing it.
Get Creative
Again, the creative side of getting your kids to brush their teeth can be like a game. Set a stopwatch on your phone and turn it into a race. Let them have a few minutes to listen to a song that they love, even if you could go without hearing it again. Sometimes, telling them a story is all you need to do, and if that fails, don’t be afraid to use some treats instead.
Use Rewards
Of course, if you plan on using rewards, you’ve also got to think of ways to make it meaningful and special. That way, they won’t get spoiled. Give them some more playtime before bed, or think of other ways to reward them for learning such a vital skill and approaching it with joy and excitement. Your goal should be to set a good example, and help get them ready for their next visit to the dentist!
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.