As a parent, it is your responsibility to encourage your kids to develop healthy routines. One of these practices is maintaining good oral health. In a perfect world, every child’s morning and nighttime ritual would include brushing their teeth. Getting youngsters on board isn’t always that easy, though. Here are some suggestions we’ve made to assist you in motivating your children to wash their teeth. Dial 800-407-0161 to get in touch with California Dental Group if you have any further inquiries.
Set it up as a family ritual
We are aware that it’s not always possible for the entire family to brush their teeth at the same time, but if you can manage it occasionally, it’s a terrific approach to motivate kids to begin a decent brushing routine. Kids pick up behavior cues from adults, so if you brush alongside them, they are more likely to begin brushing on their own. Additionally, you can observe and confirm that they are brushing their teeth properly thanks to this. Make sure they are brushing gently and for the recommended amount of time. While you brush your teeth, put on a two- to three-minute song of your choice.
Make a system of incentives for brushing your teeth
Giving a kid a reward for excellent behavior is one of the simplest methods to teach them something. Simply include brushing and flossing in your existing reward system if you have one. Just be sure to provide the appropriate incentive. A sweet treat might seem like a wonderful reward, but it might actually work against you. Their desire for sweets may increase if they think of them as a reward. Keep in mind that sugary snacks may make them more likely to require fillings.
We advise using incentives that are not food-based. One alternative is to place a piggy bank on the restroom counter. Your youngster can deposit a marble into the bank each time they floss and clean their teeth. You can both open the bank at a mutually convenient moment and exchange the marbles for pennies or dimes.
Tell them why brushing is so crucial
The facts appeal to certain children. They want you to sit down and go over the benefits of flossing and brushing with them. They could be more likely to complete the task on their own if you do it for them and they better comprehend the rationale and directions for doing so.
This does not obligate you to share them with others by relating tales of gruesome dental crises or root canals. Cavities, what they are, and why people wish to avoid them can all be simply explained. A simple explanation that it only takes a few minutes out of their day can result in healthier, less expensively maintained adult teeth may be all that is required. Please feel free to call California Dental Group at 800-407-0161 if you require any extra assistance.
