Empower Kids to Care About Teeth
Citrus Heights, CA
 Allowing children to take an active role in their dental care can empower them to care more about the teeth in their mouth. As the parent, you know just how important it is to keep them healthy. This includes keeping their teeth and whole mouth healthy. It can even be difficult to get your children to brush and floss daily. At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we can work with you and your child to empower them to take charge of their oral hygiene.
Selecting Their Toothbrush
Allowing your children to pick out their own toothbrush is a simple step that you can take. There are so many variations in toothbrushes designed just for children. They can be found in bright and fun colors that children are naturally drawn to. Many also feature their favorite television and movie characters. By giving your kids the freedom to select their own toothbrush, they will prove to be much more likely to use their toothbrush.
Feel free to try electric or battery operated toothbrushes for your child. They just might find renewed interest and delight in brushing. There are tooth brushing apps available for your smart devices to help make brushing more fun!
Selecting Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Picking out their own toothpaste and mouthwash can make a world of difference for a child that might be on the selective side. Dental care products made for children are often flavors that will appeal to them, including grape, berry, or bubblegum. By allowing your kids to make the very grown up decision to pick out their own toothpaste and mouthwash, you will be empowering them to care just that much more.
Add a Dash of Fun
Two minutes can feel like an actual eternity to a child brushing his teeth. This painfully boring task can be spruced up with a little bit of fun. Sing a fun song that you make up about brushing teeth, or read a book about the importance of brushing away that plaque. The more interesting and entertaining you can make it, the less likely it is that your children will fight with you when it comes time to brush those teeth.
Opt for Healthy Snacks
Sticking with crunchy vegetables and snacks can be great for the health of both your child’s body and teeth. Offer healthy snacks when your child expresses hunger. Healthy snack options will do more than help to keep your child’s teeth healthy. They can help to instill healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Make a Star Chart
Younger children may respond well to a star or rewards chart. Each successful week of brushing their teeth may earn them an extra perk that they are excited about. Certainly, you do not want to bribe them into taking care of their teeth, but a little incentive never hurt anyone.
Demonstrating Good Habits
Children often learn by example. Set a good one by showing them healthy oral health habits. Stand next to them while you are both brushing and flossing your teeth. In no time at all, you are sure to see them picking up their toothbrush and brushing those little pearly white without being prompted.
By empowering your children to care about the health of their teeth now, you will be setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health. At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we are happy to answer your questions and provide any needed guidance. Read our dental FAQs for kids and then call us at (916) 962-0577 to schedule their next appointment. Their lifetime of good oral health starts early.
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