How to get your kids to brush their teeth?
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Practicing good oral and dental hygiene is extremely important for people of all ages. This includes children, which need to get into the habit at a young age of brushing and flossing their teeth. Unfortunately, brushing and flossing are something that many kids do not enjoy doing. While it may not be their favorite activity, there are several tips that can be followed to help get your kids to brush their teeth and take oral health seriously.
Explain the benefits
All parents know the importance of brushing and flossing. This can include making sure that your teeth are clean, that your teeth look their best, and that you can avoid more serious challenges in the future. However, your children may not automatically know the value of brushing and caring for their teeth on a daily basis. Due to this, it is important that all parents spend the time necessary to explain these advantages to their kids. Children that understand the benefits of cleaning their teeth, as well as the negative impact of not following proper dental hygiene, will be more motivated to care for their teeth in the future.
Have them meet with dentist
While it is important that you continue to explain the importance of regular brushing and flossing, there are situations when a child will not take your instruction seriously. Another way that you can influence them to take their dental care properly is by having them meet with a dentist. All kids should see a dentist at least twice per year. A dentist in Cary NC will be able to provide a full cleaning and examination but will also spend time explaining the importance of caring for their teeth. This could be what a child needs to stay motivated about caring for their dental health.
Set up a routine
For any activity that you want your kids to get used to, setting up a routine is very important. Ideally, your kids should brush and floss a couple of times per day. This can include after they have had breakfast and before they go to bed. You should set up a routine for them to follow, which will help them get into the habit of caring for their teeth on a regular basis.
Brush as a family
As you are looking to get your kids to follow good habits, another important tip to follow is to make it a group activity and to brush as a family. Whenever you want your kids to follow a good habit, leading and setting a good example is always helpful. If you are able to brush with them whenever it is possible for you, it can make it seem like more of a group activity and something that they will want to do with you.
Give rewards
Another way that you can get your kids to brush on regular basis is by giving rewards for good behavior. Rewarding good behavior and actions can be a good way for you to motivate younger children to follow a proper routine. Brushing teeth can be included in any other reward chart that you have, which can help ensure they stay on track with their brushing and flossing needs.
Make it fun
Whenever you are trying to get your kids to brush their teeth, finding ways to make it fun is very important. Today, there are many different toothbrushes, toothpaste, flossers, and other dental care accessories that are marketed with popular television, movie, and video game characters. By getting your children items that can make it more fun for them, it could get them excited to brush their teeth on a regular basis. Another way to make it fun can be by playing their favorite songs while they are brushing teeth and getting ready for bed or to start the day.
An important part of parenting is ensuring that your kids know how to take care of their health. One part of this is making sure that they understand the value of caring for their teeth and that they brush them regularly. There are several tips that can be followed that can help you get your kids to brush their teeth on a regular basis.