Some children love brushing their teeth. Others turn the ordeal into a screaming match with tears and bright red cheeks. Proper childhood dental hygiene is essential to ensure healthy permanent teeth and gums. Future health of gums and teeth is determined in the first few years of a child’s life. Proper diet and a committed brushing schedule will ensure that your child’s teeth grow in strong and healthy.

As a parent, you play a key role in the development of your child’s teeth and gums. Here are a few creative ways to get your children to brush their teeth:

1. Let Your Child Choose Their Own Toothbrush and Toothpaste. A great way to encourage young children to brush their teeth is by letting them choose a toothbrush of their own. Children are always looking for ways to show their independence. There are countless toothbrushes of different colours and designs, giving your child plenty of options to choose from.

2. Start a Routine Early. As a parent, it is important to establish a proper brushing routine early on. Although the process may be turbulent at first, it will soon turn into an every day endeavor that is simply part of the routine.

3. Make a Game. Children should brush their teeth for a minimum of two minutes. To a child, two minutes can seem like an eternity. To make the time pass faster, make a game out of the process. Brush your teeth alongside your child and have mini contests to see who can create the most bubbles, or have the whitest teeth.

4. Compliment Your Children. Nothing gets a child brushing faster than praise. Reassure your child by telling them what a great job they are doing. You can also reward them with stickers or small tokens.

5. Tell Them a Story. Children should have at least a vague understand of why it is they need to brush their teeth. Without instilling fear, gently explain how cavities can form and that brushing is the best way to prevent them.

6. Show and Tell. Children are always trying to do things the “adult way.” To encourage your child to brush their teeth, make a point to brush alongside them. This way, you can demonstrate how to properly clean your teeth. Chances are, your child will pick up their toothbrush and begin to mimic you.

Proper oral hygiene at a young age is imperative to the future health of your child’s teeth. By showing a good example, rewarding your children, and turning tooth brushing into a fun activity, you can encourage your child to brush their teeth, multiple times a day.

If you have any concerns about your child’s dental hygiene, get in touch with the professionals at King Town Dental today.