Tricks to Introduce Healthy Dental Habits to Your Child

Dental health is rooted in regular habits. When you are raising your child, it can seem daunting to introduce these dental health practices as a part of their daily routine. After all, if you have ever tried to wrangle a toddler or preschooler into any type of healthy routine, you know that this isn’t always the easiest feat.

You know that dental health is important and setting your child up with successful habits will ensure they take care of their teeth for the rest of their lives. If you could benefit from some new tactics to encourage your kiddo to brush and floss regularly, take a look at our time tested tips. Hopefully, you will find one or more of these work in your quest to raise a healthy human.

Set a timer.

When it comes to brushing, twice a day for two minutes each time is the guideline you should shoot for with your kids. However, for a smaller child who doesn’t quite understand time, going for 2 minutes can seem like an abstract task. Instead, use a timer for their brushing sessions. Head out to shop for a cute egg timer that you can use in the bathroom for their brushing time. As they get older, encourage them to set the timer themselves and to brush the entire time. The timer method works great well into elementary school.

Sing a song.

If the timer is set for 2 minutes and your kiddo still thinks the time is just too long, employ a bit of fun and creativity. Sing a favorite song together to pass the time brushing. Not only will it make the time seem to go faster for your little one, but it is also funny to sing while navigating a toothbrush in your mouth. If your child likes to sing and to move, encourage a dance while brushing or even a brushing parade while marching through the bathroom. Two minutes will fly by for both of you.

Do it together.

Your child learns by watching you. Not only should you let your child see you brushing and flossing your teeth, but you can also increase that effect by brushing with your child. This can be especially helpful for toddlers and preschoolers who love to be by Mama or Daddy, but even elementary schoolers will enjoy your time together over the sink.

Never skip a day.

Habits are habits because they become a part of daily routine. Emphasize this with your child by never missing a day of brushing. Resist the urge to skip a nighttime brush because of a busy day, instead of talking about the importance of taking good care of their teeth by never missing a brush.

Be besties with your dentist.

Finally, introduce your child to the dentist early. The sooner they see the dentist as a friend and not a scary doctor, the better. Ask your dentist to allow for a ride in the chair and a quick teeth count for the first visit, and then continue to encourage positive experiences at the dentist during checkups twice per year.

Introducing your child to healthy dental habits is truly a gift they will have their entire lives. You can do this!