Kids need to learn jhow to take good care of their smile to ensure they have a lifetime of beautiful and healthy teeth and gums. However, it can be difficult for parents of young children to get their youngest family members on board with proper oral health habits. Brushing and flossing after every meal is important to keep problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay at bay, but many children are resistant to taking time away from playing with toys to step away. At Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in New York, NY, our team of professionals understand the difficulties some parents may have in educating and ensuring their children do as they need to keep problems like periodontal disease and tooth decay from developing. Our team is here to provide a variety of tips for consideration.
How can I make brushing fun and get my child engaged in oral healthcare?
Maintaining a healthy smile is critical to ensuring the teeth and gums last throughout their adult years. Building a proper foundation that focuses on the care of the smile needs to be done in the early years, starting when children are toddlers. Below are a few recommendations made by our team at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics to make brushing fun:
- Offer a reward. Children are very motivated by rewards, even if it’s just a piece of candy or a sticker. When your child brushes and flosses as they’re told, rewarding them is a great way to encourage this behavior.
- Read a story. While your child is brushing, read a short book to them to make sure they are taking care of their teeth as long as they need to and not brushing too fast.
- Create a routine. Many children thrive on having a regular routine so they know what to expect each and every day. Incorporate brushing and flossing into certain times of the day to make brushing and flossing a habit.
- Brush together. Some families find it easier to engage their children in brushing if the parents brush at the same time. Modeling this in front of your children is wise to let them know that everyone needs to brush their teeth to keep them clean and healthy!
Ready to find out ways to make oral care exciting for your children?
Book an appointment with our dental team at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. The office is located in New York, NY at 800A Fifth Avenue, Suite #303 and can be reached by calling (212) 879-6518. We are open to new and returning patients and families seeking pediatric dental care solutions.