We know that at times it is hard to get your kids to brush and floss, especially little ones that require parents to do it all and who may not be cooperative. We feel it is important to remind our readers that with the arrival of the first teeth, parents have to actually brush for their child. Yet, as they get older, children should be encouraged to take on more responsibility for this necessary habit and life skill. We suggest, however, that you continue to supervise and help with brushing and flossing until about age 10. It is also a great exercise to help make your child aware of what is good and bad for their teeth and how to identify the quality of food and drink choices they make.
Listed below are some fun ways to involve your child in healthy oral care. Having fun makes it easier on you, as well as an exciting time for your young ones.
- Keep track of their lost teeth together. You can do this by creating an open mouth on paper together and writing down what teeth are missing or loose and what new teeth have come in.
- This may also alert parents that an orthodontic problem could be developing if they start to see an asymmetrical pattern of tooth exchange
- Create a daily chart that allows your child to keep track of daily brushing and flossing. There are many charts available on the internet that you are able to download and print. You can hang this chart right in the bathroom next to where they brush. It’s easy to create and use of fun pens or stickers to denote a successful day can make it even more enticing for kids. You may even consider the ability for your child to earn a reward after a month of perfectly following their oral health routine
- Sing songs, count numbers, or say the alphabet while they are brushing. This is both fun and educational! The repetition allows them to remember their numbers and letters faster.
- Use magazines and have them cut out foods that are both good and bad for their teeth and paste them on a piece of paper divided into two sections with happy and sad faces indicating each side. For readers, write the words out on the top!
- Download dental care related apps for ipods and phones from the app store
- Timer apps are particularly useful to be sure kids brush long enough
- Games where kids clean a set of teeth and see that as a goal can reinforce that behavior in their own mouth
We hope this gives you some good ideas on how to make your child’s oral health care a little easier and a little more fun!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, 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 office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
