How to make brushing fun for kids!

Children who brush their teeth properly not only enjoy good dental health in childhood, but they establish habits early on that contribute to a lifelong well-being. So, how do you get children to brush correctly? Make it fun!

1.       Brush Side-By-Side: When the family consistently brushes their teeth together, it becomes part of their important daily ritual, giving children a sense of belonging and shared fun. Brushing side-by-side can also extend precious parent-child time.

2.       Track and Reward: A funny, motivational poster or calendar with places for stickers to commemorate each brushing can make a game out of oral hygiene. Posters can be handmade by the family, downloaded and printed for free, or purchased commercially. A healthy reward when the poster is full adds to the fun.

3.       Two Minute Tunes: Brushing time seems short when a child gets to listen to two minutes of their favorite music. You can sing a two-minute song, put on their favorite two-minute track or use a toothbrush or a free brushing timer app that plays two-minutes tunes. There’s even a Bluetooth-enabled brush available that plays music for them while it tracks oral hygiene for you and your dentist.

4.       Fun Tools: A toothbrush that seems more like a toy than a dental instrument can make brushing seem like playtime. Children can pick out a brush in their favorite color or they might select one shaped like their favorite character. And, toothpaste in their favorite flavor makes brushing as sweet as dessert.

For more tips on proper dental health for you and your children, call Affleck Dental!