As the parent of a small tyke, you're probably quite accustomed to resistance when it's time to perform regular oral hygiene chores. Children aren't usually enthusiastic about oral hygiene, but they really need to learn good habits now. Practising good oral hygiene benefits your children whilst they have their baby teeth but also when the adult teeth come in. For those times when saying "Do it because I said so" just isn't sufficient, here are three helpful tips for getting your kids to take care of oral hygiene.
Technology and the Time
Most kids love technology love tablets and mobile phones just as much as they hate brushing their teeth. That means you've got the chance to use technology to turn that dislike of brushing into enthusiasm. Use a timer app for teeth brushing time, and allow your child to set the timer themselves.
Twice daily brushing sessions of two minutes each are typically sufficient to rid the mouth of odour-causing and teeth-damaging bacteria. Your child will enjoy the feeling of being in control, and watching the timer may just keep them more interested in brushing than they've ever been before.
Spot the Change as It Happens
Many children may be disinterested in oral hygiene because they simply don't feel that it's terribly vital. This may happen because they can't really spot the changes as they happen. Ask a paediatric dentist about plaque disclosing tablets. The tablets are safe for any age -- they're made of a non-toxic dye derived from vegetables. As soon as the brushing session is complete, give your child a tablet. Have them hold the tablet on their tongue until it dissolves completely. After that, your child can swish the foam gently throughout their mouth. Ask your child to grin in the mirror to see coloured spots wherever the plaque remains.
Being able to see the progress (and the areas that need improvement) can really help to engage kids in the oral hygiene process. They may even think of the tablets as a treat, since they have a pleasant taste especially designed to appeal to children.
Taste the Difference
Whilst you're probably accustomed to a mint flavour toothpaste, the toothpastes made for children are far more unique and varied. Did you know that your child can choose flavours like bubblegum, cupcake or peach? Allowing your child to choose their own toothpaste flavour may just get them excited about brushing for the first time ever. However, it's important that you monitor your child's use of toothpaste in the beginning. A pea-sized amount is plenty for a thorough brushing session.
Ready to get your child enthused about oral hygiene? Put these tips into practise to teach them a whole new way to look at oral healthcare!
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