How to Get Your Kids to Follow a Dental Routine
Most kids do a lot better when they have a routine they can follow that will keep them on track. This is especially true when it comes to the daily tasks they need to take care of so they can be healthy, happy, and have energy throughout the day. Here are a few things you can do to help your children develop good dental hygiene habits through a regular dental routine.
Give Them a Small Incentive
Your kids are eventually going to get into the habit of doing their dental routine on their own, but in the meantime, it might be difficult to convince them to brush their teeth. In these cases, it can help to offer them an incentive that helps to make oral care feel a little more fun and rewarding. This could be something like an extra book at bedtime, a trip to the dollar store, or a fun activity that you can both do together. If you can find a reward that gets your child excited, it will help them to see a purpose in taking care of their teeth each day.
Make it Fun
You can also make dental care more of a priority for your children if you make the actual experience a little more fun. Let your child choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste, so they feel like they are part of the process. Electric toothbrushes can make cleaning easier, which helps to make brushing their teeth more fun. A little music can also help to ensure that your child is brushing their teeth for long enough and having a good time along the way. Let your child get involved in the music choices so they can feel even more invested in the dental care routine they are taking part in.
Be a Good Example
It may not feel like it, but your children learn a lot about what they should do in the world by watching you do it. If you are a good example of oral health care, your children will be more likely to take care of their own teeth. It is important that you don’t only take care of your teeth in private, but that you do it where your kids can see you. This will show them that you have the same oral health habits yourself, that you want them to develop. Work together with your kids to show them how you can keep your mouths healthy, bright, and feeling good.
Your children may take a while to develop their oral health habits, but they will get there eventually. In the meantime, take your time and help your kids to have more fun when they are taking care of their teeth. This will help everyone to feel more invested in the process and to have a better time in general.
Check out this article on how to improve the long-term health of your teeth!