You want a bright future for your child, and that includes a future with a bright smile. Taking your child to a family dentistry office twice a year is a great way to start caring for your child's oral health. You also need to make sure that your child brushes their teeth twice a day, flosses at least once a day, and has a limited intake of sweets that can harm their teeth. You can make the necessity of oral hygiene fun for your child by getting involved in their dental care. Here are three ways to encourage your child to care for their oral health.
1. Collaboratively create a oral hygiene playlist.
Children often grow bored with inane, repetitive activities. Although brushing your teeth and flossing is very important, your child may resist this routine because they do not find it stimulating. You can add an element of fun to your child's oral hygiene routine by creating a playlist for this activity. Choose some of your child's favorite songs that are roughly two minutes long. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes in order to effectively remove all harmful plaque-causing bacteria. Listening to a favorite song keeps your child engaged in the activity for the required amount of time.
2. Let your child choose their new toothbrush.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months. Over time, the bristles of the toothbrush get frayed from prolonged use, decreasing its effectiveness at cleaning your teeth. Further, bacteria can colonize an older toothbrush, reinfecting your mouth every time you use it. Every few months, allow your child to choose a new toothbrush that is appropriate for their age. Toothbrushes come with many fun features, including bright colors and cartoon character motifs. Involving your child in toothbrush replacement also teaches them this important aspect of dental maintenance.
3. Add an element of play to tooth cleaning.
Spice up your child's tooth cleaning routine by playing with them. There are many ways you can add an element of play to tooth cleaning. Have a bubble creating contest, where the person with the most bubbles at the end of two minutes is the winner. Creating a lathered foam from toothpaste means that your child is brushing vigorously and removing stuck food particles, plaque, and bacteria. You can also assist them in brushing their teeth correctly by asking them to imagine that they are creating train wheels or race car wheels with their brushstrokes.
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