Pediatric dentistry is all about keeping children’s teeth healthy. When you bring your child to Parkcrest Dental Group, we do all we can to teach your child how to properly take care of their teeth, but ultimately the health of their teeth and gums depends on what they do at home. Starting habits at a young age will give your kids the opportunity to keep their teeth, gums, and mouths healthy for a very long time.
Though pediatric dentistry is all about repairing and fixing problems, it is also about preventing any issues from arising in the future. Preventative care matters just as much, if not more, than fixing teeth. With that said, we know how difficult some children can be. In this blog, our Parkcrest Dental Group team reveals some tricks and tips to helping your children start brushing their teeth properly.
Make It a Game
We will reveal a secret that the entire pediatric dentistry field has been hiding for years: brushing is boring. Kids would rather play games, watch their favorite show, or listen to you read to them. If you can make brushing fun, too, you will find it easier to get your child to brush. Try bringing their favorite toy, doll, or stuffed animal with you.
They can practice brushing their toy’s teeth. Or have a bubble competition. Whoever can make the most bubbles in 2 minutes wins. Or take turns brushing each other’s teeth. Kids will find it fun, and you can show them the correct way to brush.
Related Post: How To Help Make Pediatric Dental Care Fun For Kids – Part 1
Tooth Brushes Go Round Like Train Wheels
Getting your child to brush his or her teeth can be a feat in and of itself, but teaching your child the proper way to brush will help them in the long run. Encourage them to pretend to be a choo-choo train – the brush can be the wheels going around and around. Teaching them to brush in this way will help them efficiently brush away bacteria and plaque. Make sure, however, that they don’t push too hard.
Related Post: Tips To Get Your Child Excited About Brushing From Our Pediatric Dentist Expert
Reward Your Kids
You don’t need a figure like the tooth fairy to pay your children cold hard cash each and every time they brush their teeth, but you can offer them little rewards for doing a fantastic job. Great oral health will serve them their entire lives, and it is important to encourage the behavior. This can be a simple as a high five or a sticker, but you need to show them that what they are doing is important and that they do a good job of it.
Related Post: Pediatric Dentistry Tips: Breaking Bad Dental Habits For Kids
Read Your Child’s Favorite Book
Do they have a favorite book that they can’t get you to read enough? Use this to get them to brush their teeth each evening and morning. Sit with them and read to them as they brush. Also, remember to stay consistent in terms of brushing. They still need to brush when they are tired or go on vacation. Plaque does not wait for them.
Meet the Pediatric Dentistry Team at Parkcrest Dental Group
All children should regularly visit a pediatric dentistry office once their teeth start coming in. At Parkcrest Dental Group, we love taking care of kids, and we have over 40 years of pediatric dentistry experience. Contact your local pediatric dentist in Springfield, MO, today.