Ask Your Edinburg Dentist: How to Get Your Child Excited About Brushing Their Teeth

Did you know that tooth decay is considered one of the most common chronic diseases that affect kids? It’s true.

Children with poor dental health are nearly three times more likely to miss school because of dental pain than their peers who have good oral health. Plus, toothaches can affect their performance, leading them to struggle in school.

In most cases, bad oral health and tooth decay are preventable, and prevention starts with strong dental healthcare habits, like brushing their teeth. Unfortunately, many kids don’t automatically take to their oral health routine. That means it’s time to get them excited about brushing their teeth.

How? Follow these easy tips from your Edinburg dentist to get your kids excited about taking care of their oral health!

Lead by Example

Many young children look up to their parents. So, if you want them to take their oral health seriously, then you need to too.

Make activities like brushing your teeth a family affair by brushing your teeth while your child brushes theirs. This shows them that, by taking part, they are just like mom, dad, or their older siblings. And that can go a long way when it comes to encouraging them to brush.

Use Kid-Friendly Products

There is a wide range of oral health products designed with children in mind. This includes toothbrushes, oral rinses, and toothpastes that feature fun characters, unique colors, and enticing flavors.

In many cases, these products are geared towards kids’ needs, ensuring that they provide all of the function and protection in a form that children love.

If your kid is excited about a particular cartoon character or flavor, then consider working that into their routine. This may help motivate them to brush their teeth regularly, as it allows them to use items that they connect with on a different level than a standard brush, rinse or toothpaste.

Create a Reward System

When in doubt, create a reward system to help encourage your child to brush their teeth. This can include anything from a chart that allows them to place a new sticker on it whenever they complete their routine (and a big reward whenever the fill the chart up), a dime into a piggy bank, or anything else that gets them excited.

The reward doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective, so don’t assume that it will cost you a lot to build a reward system.

Get Regular Checkups

Just like adults, children need to see their Edinburg pediatric dentist regularly to ensure proper oral health. By doing so, you can make sure that their routine is effective. Regular dental check-ups give you valuable information in case you need to make changes to ensure their teeth and mouth stay healthy.

If it’s time for your child to have a checkup, contact your kid-friendly Edinburg dentist today.