It can be a very tiresome task to get kids to do all the things necessary for their health (insert sigh here). Kids just don’t pay attention to what is good for them; such as their hygiene (personal, and oral), eating good foods, and exercising regularly instead of sitting in front of the TV playing video games.
We as parents know how hard it is to get their kids to brush their teeth… they just don’t want to do it! It is definitely a struggle. Maybe it has to do with the fact that tooth brushing is a core part of the standard bedtime routine (Oh yeah, another thing kids frustratingly refuse to do normally). The cause of the resistance is unknown, but one thing is true: kids don’t take to oral hygiene as easily as dental professionals or parents would like.
We can help when we see your children at their regular check-ups (every 6 months), but as we don’t see your children every day, so we need parents help! We are here to cheer you along the way and to give you support and advise when you need it
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The following are five tips that can make a brushing and flossing routine more fun for kids and parents.
Make it a game
Your little ones enjoy friendly competition. Your kids may not be as effective at brushing and flossing if you tell them it’s to prevent tooth decay. However, if it’s to gain victory against mom and dad, it may be more intriguing. Try to create a game involving your oral hygiene routine to spark their interest.
Try an electric toothbrush
Kids don’t like things that are tedious and take too long. If they don’t enjoy doing a task, it’s usually because the task involves effort and no direct benefits for them. An electric toothbrush can seem cool and reduces the labour on their part. Did you know, many adults still get a little excitement out of using their electric toothbrushes?
Explain in their words
Tooth decay, periodontal disease, and gingivitis typically don’t make too much sense to kids. While they are important to mommy and daddy, kids don’t necessarily think it’s as important. Dentists can provide tips to explain the importance of oral hygiene in kid-friendly words. For example, try explaining that “cavities make teeth hurt and sad. You wouldn’t want to let that happen to them, would you?”
Let them pick out toothpaste, floss, and other supplies
Kids get excited about the little things. Whether it’s receiving a toy with their kids’ meal or picking a treat from the store, it can have a significant impact on their minds. Parents can let kids choose their own toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste. This sparks their excitement about the purchase and can help them enjoy brushing and flossing more.
Have parents brush and floss with them
This simple tip can be very effective. By brushing together, you provide an example for your kids to follow. Kids usually like to follow their parents’ behaviour. If they simply see mom and dad practicing good oral hygiene, they will usually follow.
And there you have it, five ways to help your children take an interest in their oral hygiene routine. If you have any tips you would like to add, comment down below! We would love to hear what tips have worked for you.