Part of a parent’s tough role is to help their child keep their smile healthy. But dental care can be less than exciting with children, especially if they are resistant.
Children learn best through play, so why not make oral hygiene fun? If brushing and flossing feel like a chore, kids may resist them.
Here’s how play can turn daily dental care into a positive experience.
1. Turn Brushing Into a Game
Make brushing time exciting with a two-minute challenge. Use a sand timer, an app, or a fun song to encourage your child to brush long enough. Give them a reward sticker for completing their daily routine!
2. Storytelling for Stronger Teeth
Turn dental care into a compelling story, where kids are excited to engage and play their part. For example, create a fun story where the toothbrush is a superhero fighting off “Sugar Bugs” (plaque and bacteria). Let your child take control of the “battle” by brushing away the villains. Create new stories and let your child help. Creativity and dental care is a win-win!
3. Role-Playing Dentist Visits
Kids may fear the unknown, which is why a fear of the dentist is so common in children. Help them feel more comfortable by role-playing a dental visit at home. Pretend to be the dentist and let them take turns “examining” their stuffed animals’ teeth.
4. Make Dental Tools Exciting
When your child is involved in their dental care and feels autonomy they are more likely to enjoy it. Allow your child to pick out a colorful toothbrush, a flavored toothpaste, or even a musical toothbrush to make brushing more fun. Electric toothbrushes with built-in timers are also great for kids.
5. Encourage Social Learning
Children mimic what they see, so brush and floss together as a family. Watching a sibling or parent enjoy brushing makes it more appealing to younger children.
Visit Summit Family Dental for Children’s Dentistry in Shelby Township
Dental care doesn’t need to be a chore that kids hate. By turning dental care into a fun and interactive experience, your child will look forward to taking care of their teeth. Need a kid-friendly dentist? Visit Summit Family Dental for kids’ dental care in Shelby Township.
