A Parent’s Guide to Raising Children With Good Oral Care Habits
Here’s how to get your kid(s) more excited about oral health care!

Let’s face it: kids can be a handful - especially when it comes to getting them to clean their teeth. Chances are, you’ve struggled with getting your child to brush their teeth from time to time, or even daily (and let’s not even get into how difficult it can be to get them to floss). Sigh.

But we’ve got good news: There are several effective tips and tricks that parents can follow to help make the habit of good oral hygiene care come more easily and naturally to their little ones - and, dare we say, a habit that your child will even start looking forward to!

Without further ado, here are the oral care “hacks” that every parent should try:

Educate your little one on the importance of oral health care in a way they’ll understand:

There’s a ton of educational content regarding oral health to be found online, in books and even at the dental office. By explaining the importance of oral care to your child in a way that they can clearly understand (and that interests them - i.e. using bright illustrations and real demonstrations), you’ll be helping to instil in your child a natural curiosity and care that they can start to feel responsible for themselves.

Furthermore, explain to your child the health risks associated with a neglected oral care routine - such as tooth decay/cavities, and gum disease. This will also help to encourage them to continue brushing and flossing as they grow into adults.

Set a good example:

Monkey see, monkey do. Make a habit of cleaning your teeth and going though the proper steps alongside your child until it easily becomes a habit they pick up on their own without needing you present.

Remember to always brush gently, never vigorously; using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing with you is perhaps the most organic way that your child will learn to take care of their smile.

Let them choose their own dental cleaning tools:

Children love to feel included, or at least somewhat in control of their own life! Taking your child to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste can be a simple way to get your child more interested in dental hygiene. (Besides, let’s be honest - picking out a new toothbrush is always a little fun for us adults, too!)

Put together a dental chart:

A dental chart is another fun way to help ensure your child sticks to their daily oral hygiene practices. Include oral care instructions or reminders, fun dental facts and images, and allow your child to mark down every time they’ve completed an oral care task such as brushing their teeth (or flossing if they’re old enough to do this on their own).

When your child is able to visualize their progress, they’ll be much more motivated to stick to their routine so that no oral care task is left incomplete.

Getting your child to care about their oral health doesn’t have to be a headache

The key to ensuring a successful oral care journey for your child is to make the process as interesting and fun for them as possible. Fortunately, by following the tips above, we’re confident you’ll be able to instil in your little one(s) a healthy attitude towards oral care for life!

Looking for a dentist suitable for the entire family? Locate a Teeth First Dental Clinic nearest you today.