Let’s face it: getting children to adopt good oral hygiene habits can feel like pulling teeth. All puns aside, reinforcing good oral health habits from a young age sets children up for excellent oral health as they age. Unfortunately, making brushing and flossing fun can be challenging, as can easing a child’s fear of going to the dentist.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. If you are having trouble getting your child to brush and floss regularly, it’s time to brush up on some helpful tips that can make oral hygiene fun.
Oral Health Care Tips for Children
Sometimes, getting kids to brush and floss is a constant struggle. As a parent, you have tremendous power to help your young one build good life-long oral care habits. You need some tips to make investing in good oral care a fun and engaging activity for children.
Start Early
The key to excellent oral care is to start from an early age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists suggests that parents take their child to their first dental appointment when their first tooth appears, typically no later than the child’s first birthday. Your dentist can offer helpful tips, schedule follow-up appointments to keep dental cleanings on track, and monitor your child’s dental health and progress.
Understand the Value of Baby Teeth
Some people are under the misconception that baby teeth are not important because they are not permanent teeth. A child’s first teeth are crucial for helping them learn to chew, eat, and speak clearly, developing speech and language capabilities. Parents must actively clean toddlers’ teeth until they are old enough to do it themselves and maintain their oral hygiene.
Make Brushing and Flossing Fun
As children grow, brushing and flossing are pretty low on the list of things they want to do. Help them understand the importance of maintaining a good dental care routine and make it fun. Let them help you choose toothbrushes and toothpaste. Look for brushes with fun characters or those that light up until it is time to stop brushing. Floss and floss picks now come in new kid-friendly flavors and colors. Get them involved.
Monitor Your Child
Young children should always be monitored while brushing and flossing to ensure they are brushing correctly and are not swallowing toothpaste. Children should brush and floss twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Replace soft-bristled brushes every three months.
Make Good Choices
Help your child make healthy choices. Try to avoid too many sugary and sticky sweets. Encourage them to eat crunchy fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Not only will their body be healthier, but their teeth will, too.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups should be as routine as pediatric wellness checks. Talk to your child about what to expect from their visit with the dentist so they are prepared and not overwhelmed by the experience.
Make an Appointment for Your Child Today
Our compassionate team at makes dental care and good oral hygiene fun, not frightening, for kids. Call us at or contact us online to make an appointment, and let’s work together to keep your child’s smile healthy.
