We celebrate all the milestones in our children’s development. Learning to walk, graduating from Velcro to tied laces or riding a school bus – there is so much to be excited about. Similarly, we encourage all parents to also ‘make a big deal’ about brushing, which is an important step in your child’s independence from toddlerhood to childhood. You’re on our site so that probably means you agree!
We have some tips to make brushing fun, and perhaps even part of the childhood memories your child carries well into his/her teens and adulthood!
Make it part of storytime
Children’s books cover just about every habit and topic kids need to learn about. That includes brushing! As your child begins to erupt teeth, show each tooth to him or her, and read books that focus on stages of discovery and development that you are experiencing with your child. Reading about characters who brush help children brush!
Go shopping!
Don’t just present your child with the toothbrush. Let them pick it out. Give them a selection of ADA-approved products, from toothbrushes to toothpastes. We know our kids love choosing their own toothbrush after they have a great appointment in our office.
Make it interactive
Create a simple calendar of squares they can fill with a stamp or a sticker every time they brush.
Include their favorite song or music
Let them pick a song to brush to. All kids have favorite songs and they seem all too happy to listen to them repetitively. Some kids like music for the bath. Use it for brushing too! Kids’ songs and jingles in children’s shows last about two minutes — the perfect length of time for brushing for kids. They can brush (and dance) during the entire song, and you can show them how and where to move the brush until they have the moves down perfectly.
Make it a family activity
The family eats together, plays together, travels together and they can also brush together. Kids look up to their parents, imitating just about everything. Let them see you brushing from the beginning, and then let them join you while they brush their teeth, too! Can you see it now, you and your kids all lined up in front of the bathroom sink?
We love to see our patients and their families enjoying dental health. Post your brushing pictures on our Facebook page!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
