Whether you’re an adult or a child, with everything going on in the world today, it can be difficult to stick to a routine. Last month, countless states issues shelter-in-place orders that required schools to close down and parents to act as caretakers and teachers. Although there’s a lot on your plate, without a dental hygiene schedule, your child could develop oral health problems while self-isolating with you. Read on for four ways to encourage them to continue brushing and flossing every day from a children’s dentist.
No Timer, Just 4 Minutes of Fun
It’s not uncommon for children (even adults!) to view brushing and flossing their teeth as a chore. Setting a timer is an easy way to make it seem like this because your child is just waiting for the seconds to hit zero instead of paying attention to how they’re brushing and flossing. Instead, try to make their daily and nightly hygiene routine by doing something fun, such as curating a “toothbrushing playlist” each night with a couple of their favorite songs on it. No matter what you do, being creative and attempting to make this activity a fun moment instead of a dreaded one can encourage them to be more positive about brushing for two minutes twice each day as well as flossing at least once a day.
Reward Regular Effort
Is your child motivated by rewards and recognition? If they are, another great way to encourage your child to brush and floss every day is to reward their efforts. You can do this by giving them a fun sticker, letting them pick the movie for family night, or even pick out their favorite bedtime story. Showing your child that you’re proud of them for taking care of their smile can be a great way to encourage them to keep up the good work!
Brush & Floss As a Family
Your child looks up to their parents, which is why it’s no surprise that they would want to mimic their actions, even the healthy ones! Try inviting your child to brush and floss their teeth with you in the bathroom every day and have them copy the movement of your toothbrush. This will make nightly and morning brushing and flossing routines fun and teachable moments.
Go Shopping For New Dental Hygiene Products Online
Another fun way to encourage your child to look at their toothbrush as a fun and helpful tool instead of something that they simply have to engage with is by allowing them to pick out their own. Online, there are hundreds of different and fun children’s toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and even dental floss that is specially made to engage little ones.
Although you’re limited by what you can do during self-isolation, these four tips will help encourage your child to take care of their smile without making it seem like a chore. Having a positive outlook on their oral health will encourage them to maintain great oral health far into the future, so you’ll be able to enjoy seeing their happy grin for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Racha Kadamani has over 18 years of experience providing high-quality dental care to patients of all ages. She enjoys providing her young patients with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain good oral health throughout their entire lives. She also stays up to date with the latest advancements in her field and is passionate about providing the highest quality of dental care. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Laith Family Dentistry’s website or call 210-782-6842.
