Are your little ones resisting your efforts to teach them proper dental care habits? While it may be possible that simply switching up toothpastes to a mild-flavored kid’s toothpaste can turn things around for you, it might take a little more creativity on your part if your children are stubborn. Today, your local Plano dentist office is going to give you a few tips on how to encourage good dental health for your children in a fun and enjoyable way.
Children’s mouths are a lot more sensitive than an adult mouth. Your favorite toothpaste that leaves you with a clean and tingly feeling can feel more like a burning sensation to a child. This is why it is so important to find a flavor of toothpaste your child enjoys.
Take advantage of the playful nature your children has when teaching them to take care of their teeth. The earlier you start teaching your child good dental health practices, the simpler the games can be. Just make sure you keep the mood light and you have a big smile on your face. One of our favorite games is the copycat game, where you brush your teeth and get a big mouthful of bubbles, and then smile wide enough to let the bubbles run out of your mouth and down into the sink. While we know that this is going to look funny, that’s basically the whole point. After you’ve done this, have your child copy you. Then, during your next teeth brushing copycat game, you can have your child take the lead. Have fun with it! Don’t worry, it will all wash off; it’s just toothpaste.
Are messy games not your cup of tea? We suggest going with a reward system instead. Take a calendar and put stickers on it for each day your child brushes and flosses his or her teeth. Then, at the end of the week, let your child pick a game that the whole family can play. Not only will this be fun for the whole family, but it will create a connection in your child’s mind between having fun and dental care.
Teaching your children about good dental health practices is important and should start an at early age. We also suggest bringing your little one in for dental checkups at your local Plano dentist office after their first tooth erupts. Is it time for your child’s dental appointment? Schedule one today.
Ever wonder what dental care would be like if kids were dentists? Check out this adorable video from Colgate.
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