Teach Kids to “Love” Caring for Their Smile

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? Teaching children the importance of caring for their smile from a young age gives them a head start on a lifelong healthy smile journey.

Establishing good oral hygiene habits with kids starts with routine that is also fun! Here are some ideas to help teach kids to love taking care of their smile.

Lead by Example

Young children often mimic things they see their parents do, including brushing your teeth. Let them see you having fun as you brush and floss your teeth, and they will want to do it too. It’s helpful to verbalize your actions while you brush, commenting on how you’re using small circles while brushing and when to spit and rinse.

Let Them Pick Their Toothbrush

There are many cute children’s toothbrushes on the market with different characters and colors, so let your child pick their favorite. When it’s time to brush their teeth, use a catchy song to ensure they are brushing for two minutes as recommended.

Don’t forget to use a children’s toothpaste that contains fluoride for protection from cavities.

Incorporate Toys to Help Them Practice

Encourage your children to brush their dolls or stuffed toys’ teeth for practice. They can even tell their toy what they’ve learned about why it is important to brush and floss!

Most kids love Play-doh and it works perfect for pretend plaque. Put some Play-doh around toy blocks and ask your child to remove it with floss.

Read Books About Teeth and Visiting the Dentist

To prepare a child for an upcoming dental visit, read them a book about teeth or visiting the dentist. It will make them feel more comfortable to know about the dental tools and steps they might experience in advance.

Visit Your Dentist for Check-Up

The American Dental Association recommends that the first dental visit takes place within six months after the first tooth appears, but no later than your child’s first birthday.

Getting your children comfortable and interested in brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist at a young age are the building blocks for good oral hygiene through their life.