As parents, we all know how important it is for our children to develop healthy habits. Teaching them about brushing and flossing is near the top of the list! If your child has ever protested or dragged their feet when it comes to brushing time, keep reading! Dr. Cruise has some tips and tricks for how to make brushing fun for your kids!

Why Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?

Although baby teeth will eventually fall out, they play a key role in your child’s overall health and development. Baby teeth aren’t just placeholders, they play an important role in your child’s growth and development. These teeth help your child chew, speak, and even form a healthy smile. Plus, healthy baby teeth guide adult teeth into their proper positions, and if neglected, decay can cause problems with how adult teeth come in.

Should I Buy A New Toothbrush?

Brushing is always more fun if you have a toothbrush in your favorite color or a toothpaste with sparkles and a flavor you love! Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance when letting your child look through all of the toothbrush options. There are many cavity-fighting flavors of fluoride toothpaste so your child will have lots of choices.

Is It Okay To Reward My Child For Brushing?

Yes, absolutely! A reward system is a classic way to encourage good behavior. What motivates your child? Whether it’s a new toy car, a set of baseball cards, or a new doll, decide on a prize and track your child’s brushing by using one of these monthly brushing calendars. Hugs, high fives, and a simple “You did such a great job brushing today!” are also great ideas!

Are There Any Books, Songs, Or Apps Available?

Of course there are! Visit your local library to find books about oral health. Ask your favorite librarian for help finding stories about visiting the dentist or brushing teeth. Thanks to technology, there are many fun videos, songs, and apps available to motivate your child to brush for the recommended 2 minutes!

• Watch these videos and let your child brush their teeth with The Wiggles or Blippi, Little Baby Bum, or Sesame Street.
• If your child likes dance parties, you can choose your favorite toothbrushing song on the Brush DJ app and dance to the music while brushing. Parents, just make sure to supervise dancing safely while brushing.
• If you have a specific toothbrush from Crest or Oral-B Kids, you can sync the toothbrush to the Disney Magic Timer by Oral-B app. Kids can see their favorite Disney and Marvel characters and earn badges and prizes when they brush.
• You may never have considered a podcast before, but the Chompers podcast entertains kids with stories, jokes, and fun songs while they brush.

Any Other Tips, Dr. Cruise?

If you have ever heard your child repeat something you just said, you know that children learn by watching everyone around them, especially their parents. You have the power to help them develop their healthy habits, including brushing their teeth! When it’s time to brush your child’s teeth before bed, grab your own toothbrush and brush your teeth along with them. When they see you happily brushing, they’re more likely to follow your example.

Dr. Cruise and the team at Pediatric Dentistry of Florence are dedicated to helping children develop great oral habits for a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you have questions or if your child is due for a check-up, call or text us and we can help you schedule an appointment.