Brushing and good oral hygiene for children goes a long way in ensuring a lifetime of healthy happy smiles. While getting your child to brush their teeth can at times be a challenge, turning it into a fun time can go a long way when it comes to long-term dental health.

Why Care for Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth will eventually fall out, so there’s no harm in a cavity or two, right? Wrong. Developing cavities in baby teeth can have a long-term effect on your child’s oral health. Keep in mind that unhealthy baby teeth will likely result in unhealthy adult teeth.

Baby teeth play a role as placeholders for the incoming permanent teeth. Missing or unhealthy baby teeth often result in adult teeth coming in out of alignment, meaning possible orthodontic treatment down the road. Starting your child with proper oral hygiene practices at a young age will set the stage for a lifetime of oral health.

Shop for Tooth Brushing Supplies

Have your child pick out the toothbrush. There are ones with favorite characters that may do the trick or ones your child can decorate. Next, pick out a toothpaste flavor to encourage your child to brush. With numerous flavors available, your child is bound to find a “yummy” one.

Fun Books and Videos

There are many fun books and videos available that focus on proper oral care habits. These offer a fun and exciting way to teach your children about caring for their teeth in a way they can easily understand and relate to.

Set a Good Example

Children love to mimic their parent, so teach by example. Have your child witness your tooth-brushing and your flossing routine. Don’t forget to show them how you brush your tongue. Be deliberate and animated during every step, and conclude by showing how proud you are of your efforts.

Let Your Kids Practice on You

While having your teeth brushed by your kids may not be your favorite past time, it really pays off. Make this a fun time full of laughter. You can also have your child practice on a stuffed animal or a doll.

Choose a Favorite Song

Select a favorite song to listen to during brushing. Make sure the song is at least two minutes long to ensure sufficient brushing time. Dance around while brushing, and once the song is over, your child is done brushing.

Come Up with a Reward System

Many children will respond well to a fun reward system. An idea is having your child pick out a calendar and stickers. Every time your child brushes, add a sticker to the calendar. You may want to have a surprise ready to give to your child if all the days of the week have stickers. You may even want to offer a bigger reward if your child sticks to the brushing routine for a month.

About Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

We, at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, are passionate about caring for our young patients. We are here to offer tips and advice on how to care for your child’s oral health. We strive to develop a partnership with you aimed at ensuring your child’s smile is off to a great start!