Tips to Encourage Kids to Brush and Floss Well

Children are not always excited to brush and floss their teeth. Trying to encourage kids to brush and floss well can be pretty challenging.

Children are less enthusiastic about brushing their teeth because they don’t find it fun or adventurous. There are, however, specific tips that can help get your child excited about the idea of brushing and flossing.

· Create a Reward System

Rewarding your child every time they brush and floss their teeth properly will cultivate a positive attitude towards the activity. The reward system differs depending on the child’s preferences. For some children, just acknowledging their efforts is good enough. Once children realize you appreciate their efforts, they’ll want to do it more often to please you.

· Let Your Child Make their Choice of Toothbrush and Toothpaste

A child will not be excited to brush their teeth if they don’t like the flavor of the toothpaste. If you let your child pick their toothbrush and toothpaste, they will make their favorite choice, which might get them excited and brushing more often.

· Make Toothbrushing and Flossing a Family Group Activity

Children enjoy family activities where they are provided an opportunity to participate. You can get your child to show excitement about brushing their teeth by making the exercise a family routine. Don’t be surprised if you find your child reminding you to brush your teeth.

· Make Music Part of Tooth Brushing and Flossing

All children enjoy music. Playing your child’s favorite song is a conditioning strategy that helps the child associate the music with tooth brushing. The child will remember to brush their teeth every time they hear the music.

· Educate the child

Even at an early age, children need to understand the benefits of good dental hygiene. A child will see the need to brush their teeth once they know its consequences. As you educate your child, it is also critical not to scare them. While at it, ensure that you teach the child how to brush their teeth properly.

As the child advances in age, they become more used to toothbrushing. Once you make it a routine, you experience fewer challenges trying to get your child to brush their teeth.

With routine brushing practices, the child will always feel uncomfortable with dirty teeth and clean them when necessary. It would be best if you also established the same routine with a dental check-up, so that hygienists can also encourage kids to brush and floss well.

Children need to be checked more frequently, at least twice a year, as they are more prone to cavities. They also need teeth alignment since their teeth are still developing.

River Valley Smile Center is the perfect dentistry for your child as we provide a wide range of solutions for your child’s teeth. You can reach us at 479.646.0706. We are also on Facebook or you can request a dental consultation here.