When Happy Kids Produce Happy Teeth: Tips to Make Dental Hygiene Fun

Brushing and flossing are essential for good dental hygiene; however, this process can be boring, tedious, and even frustrating for many kids. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be if you commit to making their morning and nighttime routines fun and enjoyable. But how? What can you do to help your child get excited about taking care of their teeth? Here are a few tips that will have your little one ready to go with their toothbrush in hand.

Why Good Dental Hygiene Habits Matter for Kids

Everyone, no matter their age, should aspire to practice good dental hygiene habits. When it comes to young smiles, though, having cavity-free teeth and disease-free gums can make a big difference.

The eruption of new pearly whites (primary and permanent) means the chances of decay and infection rise. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar adhere to enamel surfaces, causing cavities to form. Instead of preventing additional trips to the dentist’s office throughout the year, your child might end up in the treatment chair receiving dental fillings or crowns.

Establishing good oral hygiene habits early on instructs your child to prioritize their smile and inspires them to take proper care of it so that serious problems don’t occur later in life.

How Can You Make Brushing and Flossing Fun for Kids?

It can be hard trying to take something many children dislike and turn it into an activity they enjoy, but it’s not impossible.

With dental hygiene, there are a few tips you can try, such as:

• Setting a timer. Instruct your child that they are in a race to see how well they can brush and floss their teeth in two minutes. This not only ensures they are cleaning for the appropriate amount of time, but it also keeps them focused on the goal of “winning the race.” Just make sure they are doing everything correctly, as in brushing all surfaces.
• Offer a reward. If your child manages to brush and floss their teeth each day for a week, offer them a reward. This can be a small toy or sticker. You can determine what kind of prize is appropriate for their age, but do not offer sweet treats, as this will only increase their risk for cavities.
• Let them pick. If your child doesn’t like mint-flavored toothpaste, take them to the store and let them pick out their preferred flavor. Just make sure they choose one that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
• Be the example. Your child is watching you, even when you think they are not. This means that if you are brushing your teeth, they’ll be more likely to do the same. So, turn these morning and nighttime routines into a fun event for the whole family.

When your child wants to take proper care of their teeth because the process is fun and exciting, you know you’ve done a good job, so keep up the good work and help their growing smile succeed!

About the Author
Dr. Golnaz Goodarzi is a board-certified pediatric dentist who received her DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. After completing a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, she conducted research that was published in many leading dental journals. Helping patients develop good dental habits at an early age is what she enjoys most, and she is happy to assist parents in making oral hygiene fun for growing smiles. If you need tips to create an exciting morning and nighttime brushing experience for your child, contact us via our website or by calling (508) 832-6278 to learn how we can help.