February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Kids aren’t always excited about brushing their teeth, but it’s an important habit that you should start as early as possible. As we perform many teeth cleanings in Lincoln Park, we’ve discovered some effective yet easy ways to keep kids engaged and happy about brushing their teeth.
A Fun Toothbrush is Key
What’s your child’s favorite show or movie? Chances are, there’s a toothbrush with their favorite characters on it. When teeth cleaning revolves around interacting with their favorite characters, it becomes an activity they love.
Brush Your Teeth With Them
Leading by example is never a bad idea. When you establish the fact that brushing your teeth is an important part of your everyday routine, it’s likely that your kid will follow suit. It’s also a great chance to bond and spend quality time with them.
Make It a Game
It’s no secret that kids love games, and this holds true in the bathroom as well. Making a game out of brushing their teeth will help keep them engaged and even excited about the process. Even if you challenge them to see who can brush their teeth better or tell them an engaging story during the process, this small interaction will make all the difference.
Reward Them
Getting your child to clean their teeth isn’t always easy, but it can help if you suggest a reward in return. Things like staying up past their normal bedtime or watching an episode of their favorite show are two effective ways. You can also set more long-term goals for them; one month of brushing will be rewarded with lunch from their favorite restaurant.
Regardless of how you get your child to brush their teeth, the bottom line is, they’re doing it! It might not always be easy but establishing dental care as part of their routine early on is essential to forming a healthy habit. If you or your child is in need of teeth cleaning in Lincoln Park, please call us to set up an appointment!