2 Sneaky Ways to Get Your Kids to Practice Oral Hygiene

From eating their vegetables to brushing their teeth, most kids seem to be experts at resisting everything right for their health. Forcing them to build these habits by scolding hardly ever works. Even if they do end up practicing good habits in front of you, it’d be out of fear, and they’d give them up as soon as you’re out of sight.

Therefore, it is important to make them enjoy healthy habits instead of forcing these habits on them. Following are a few sneaky ways in which you can instill good oral hygiene habits in your kids.

• Make a Game Out of Brushing: When brushing becomes a chore, it is natural for kids to throw tantrums to avoid them. However, turning this activity into a game can completely change their outlook about it. You can let your child brush your teeth after you brush theirs, and treat the sparkling teeth as an achievement or win. You can also reward them with gold stars or stickers after each tooth-brushing session. Have them brush the teeth of their favorite dolls or stuffed toys. This way, they’ll start associating happy memories with the activity, and therefore, look forward to it.
• Lead By Example: Children mirror their parents in good and bad habits. So if you make a point of practicing good oral care in front of them, they’ll eventually start emulating the practices as well. Make it a habit to brush your teeth together every day. Take them along to your regular dental visits, and act like you enjoy the activity. Seeing you happy at the dentist’s will make them want to visit as well.

It is also essential to start taking your kid for regular dental appointments when their first birthday rolls around. If you live in Summerfield, visit Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry for an appointment as soon as possible.