Blog

Dental health is important, and parents know this. But although they understand how to brush teeth properly, it isn't easy to convince kids of the same thing!

Here are some tips for brushing your child's teeth regularly.

1.Use stories to help your kids brush their teeth. Though they may not want to at first, it's never too early to tell them about the benefits of dental hygiene and how important it is. Kids love stories, so use this to your advantage. Read them a story about the importance of brushing teeth, or have your child create their storybook.

2. Get a toothbrush for your child that is just their size and has characters from favorite shows or stories on it, so they'll be excited to brush. Make sure to show them how to brush, even if they don't do it themselves right away.

3. Use songs or rhymes to help your kids brush their teeth. When it comes to kids, almost anything can be turned into a song. Get them excited about brushing their teeth by singing songs about dental hygiene. If you're not musically inclined (or even if you are), there are plenty of cute songs online.

4. Memorize brushing tips together with your child about how to brush correctly. You may also want to talk to them about what good dental hygiene is and why it's important before you start cleaning their teeth. For example, if your child tends to get cavities, let them know the consequences of poor dental hygiene, so they understand why it's important to brush their teeth twice a day.

5.Use toothpaste that will make your kids want to brush. There are plenty of brands out there that offer flavors and colors designed to make brushing fun. You can also find non-flavored toothpaste made with natural ingredients, like baking soda and peppermint oil, to give kids the flavor they're looking for without using artificial colors or sweeteners.

6. Celebrate when your kids brush their teeth well! After all, it's important to reward good behavior to encourage your kids to brush their teeth more often. If they always brush their teeth every morning and night, take them out for ice cream or a movie after dinner one evening as a treat.

7.Show your kids how to brush their teeth properly. Even though they may resist at first, it's important to show them the correct way to brush so they'll learn. It might not be easy since kids can be wiggly, so you might want to give them a turn brushing your teeth and show them how it's done first!

Please reach out to our dental practice in Greenwood, IN, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Austgen. Please call us at (317) 885-6400 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.