Do you ask your child to pick up their toys or help you set the table? Are you often met with some pushback? The same might be said when it comes to getting them to brush their growing smiles, but it’s important for them to care for their oral health! To help them start building good habits, here are four things you can try to get your little one to stick to their oral hygiene routine.
1.) Take Your Child Shopping for Dental Products
Many children often like to feel as if they have taken ownership of things in their lives. This can be true when it comes to what they use to take care of their tiny teeth. They may not want to use what you have chosen for them, so you can let your little one look at different toothbrushes and toothpastes that they are interested in! Just ensure the latter has fluoride in it.
2.) Brush Your Teeth Together
Your child may look up to you as a role model. They may sometimes mimic you in small ways, so showing them how you brush your teeth can help encourage them to do the same. You’ll be able to show them how to properly do it, ensuring they break any bad habits that may be harder to stop when they are an adult.
3.) Give Rewards for Good Dental Habits
Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of an incentive to help your child stick to their oral hygiene. You may offer a little reward for other things they do, such as doing well in school or putting away their toys, but it might not hurt to do the same when it comes to taking care of their teeth. You might find success in offering them a toy, a privilege, or even a fun activity to do as a family.
4.) Stick with a Consistent Routine
You may have a consistent routine in taking care of your smile. You might have a certain time when you brush your teeth, so you can incorporate your little one into that! Talk to them about when they would like to brush their teeth in the morning and night, then stick with it! Over time, your child will start to expect it and might even take the first step in doing it themself.
While getting your little one to brush may have been a hassle at first, hopefully one of these tips works for you and your family! You know your child the best, so mix and match them until they start building good dental habits that set them up for pristine oral health.
About the Practice
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids of Allen, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo. Both are board-certified pediatric dentists who are proud to give the Allen community the highest-quality care they deserve. We ensure that your child is comfortable while getting the treatments they need. If it’s time for your little one’s next checkup, schedule an appointment for them or call our office at (469) 663-0098.