It is vital to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to ensure superior health for the teeth. This importance is magnified when it comes to encouraging your children to build superior oral hygiene practices. A good oral hygiene routine can go a long way toward protecting the health of the teeth. In order for an oral hygiene routine to be effective, the individual must brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. It is also important to floss daily and visit the dentist regularly. Here are a few tips for encouraging your children to practice a good oral hygiene routine.
Give them Choices
Implementing good oral hygiene practices isn’t optional, but you can still provide your children with some level of choice. Allow them to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste. This will increase their level of excitement when it comes time to brush their teeth.
Be a Role Model
Serving as a role model for your children can help to encourage them to practice a good oral hygiene routine. Consider taking several minutes out of your morning and evening routines to brush your teeth with them, so that it becomes more of a group activity. This will show them that you follow the same practices you wish for them to.
Practice Positive Reinforcement
Rather than punishing children for skipping brushing their teeth, you should implement positive reinforcement strategies. This can be something more involved, like giving them stickers for brushing their teeth, or something as simple as complimenting them on how well they are brushing their teeth. Positive reinforcement helps to build healthy habits.
A good oral hygiene routine that is built early on can provide an array of benefits for the health of your child’s smile. Other techniques, like making a game out of brushing time, may also be used to encourage an excellent oral hygiene routine. For more ideas to encourage your children to brush and floss, contact us at Kids Dental Barn today!