Kids need to brush their teeth properly to ensure a lifetime of healthy habits, but it can be difficult to facilitate these good habits and get your kids to brush when they need to. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can foster good brushing habits without it being a daily battle. If you are struggling with keeping your kids brushing, here are four tips to keep in mind.
Kids often mimic what their parents do. This includes brushing their teeth. This is why it can help to make it a habit to brush your teeth with them. Make sure to gather in the bathroom every morning and night to brush your teeth together, and use this time to show them the proper way to brush.
Toothpaste and mouthwash might not taste all that great to your child, which can make them not want to brush their teeth. If this is the case, then kid-friendly dental products can help. They come in a variety of fun flavors like bubblegum and blue raspberry– although you should always make sure they’re sugar-free!
It can be helpful to reward your kids in order to get them to keep brushing. This could be something as simple as a chart where they get a sticker each time that they brush their teeth. When they fill up the chart, they can enjoy an appropriate reward. Over time, as they build the habit and realize the benefits to their health that comes with teeth brushing, you may not need to do it as often.
It’s not uncommon for kids to brush their teeth but not do it for long enough. In this case, it can be helpful to time them. Star by setting a timer on your phone for two minutes. Encourage them to brush their teeth until the timer goes off. A timer can also be useful to ensure that your children are actually brushing their teeth for the required amount of time in order for them to get their teeth thoroughly clean.
Helping your child set themselves up for a lifetime of healthy teeth can take some careful steps at first. If your child is ready to begin going to the dentist or you would like to discuss their brushing habits, give IKON Dental Group a call today. We offer a wide range of services for all of your family’s dental needs.