The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Adults know that this is important for dental health, but children may rank tooth brushing up with eating vegetables and going to bed on time. Here are a few ways you can make tooth brushing fun for your child.
Toothbrush Hero
Your child’s toothbrush could save the day against the plaque harming teeth. If you tell your child a story about brushing their teeth, it will make it more fun for them. Their toothbrush could be a knight in shining armor and plaque could be the dragon they need to vanquish.
Timed Teeth
Children love to race, but brushing their teeth quickly won’t necessarily clean them well. You can fix this with an egg timer or a fun, two minute song. Have your child try to finish brushing their teeth at the same time the song ends or the timer empties.
Cool Toothbrush
If a toothbrush looks cool, your child will feel cool while using it. There are a lot of fun toothbrush designs you can get for your child, from their favorite color to their favorite movie character. You could also purchase an electric toothbrush for your child’s use.
Pearly White Prize
To encourage your child’s oral hygiene habits, try giving them a prize. Track their brushing progress by putting stickers on a calendar. When they reach a certain amount, then give them their reward. This prize should not include sweets (obviously), so take them to the park or out to the dollar theater instead.