It is hard to keep kids focused on anything, let alone a seemingly boring topic such as cleaning their teeth! However, there are ways you can engage your child in taking an interest in maintaining their own dental hygiene. It will pay off in the long run as they will develop positive habits for life which will have a constructive effect on their health. Here a few tips on how to get your child’s interest.
Make it fun
You will secure a child’s attention with any kind of fun activity. So why not make the routine of brushing their teeth fun as well? Create a game or challenge for them to participate in. It will become a part of their daily routine and if you make the activity enjoyable, they are more likely to remember to do it.
Set a good example
Children often copy their parent’s behaviour. If you demonstrate positive habits, they are likely to follow suit from an early age. The environment a child is raised in is extremely reflective of their future attitudes and behaviours. If you lead by example and brush your teeth with them, they will understand this is an important habit to continue in future.
Education
If you try and speak to your child about their teeth, and the effects that not brushing their teeth properly will have on their health, they are more likely to be invested in the activity. Children often respond to something when they understand why they are doing it, so this could help them keep up the habit.
Give their teeth a soundtrack
It may sound silly, but putting on music while they are cleaning their teeth can be an effective tactic. Not only will they enjoy hearing their favourite song, but this is a good way to time them and ensure they are brushing their teeth properly for the dentist recommended time of 2 to 4 minutes.
At the end of the day, if you can get your child invested in maintaining their own dental hygiene, it will be a skill they will carry on into their adult years and their teeth and overall health will benefit as a result. So why not try some of these handy tips today and see what works? You’ve got nothing to lose!
At Bay Street Dental, we are invested in maintaining the quality of your teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Children’s dentists and keep your smile shining bright!
