Getting your child to brush her teeth for two minutes, twice a day, can be a challenge. Simply setting a timer and supervising can be tedious and ineffective. At Sunny Smiles Dentistry, we know that brushing your teeth can be fun if you know how! Here are 3 tips to help your child with brushing:
Rewards Chart: Start using a rewards chart for your child. For each time your child brushes his teeth for two minutes, he puts a sticker on the chart! Make sure to use non-food rewards to help maintain a healthy smile.
Two-Minute Party Time: Pick a favorite song and crank up the music! Two minutes of brushing to a favorite song can make time fly by–so get your groove on and brush away. Or try using those two-minute time slots to tell a story all your own! Be sure to use all your best voices, and try naming characters after people your child knows. Be creative! Maybe your child is the next superhero to defeat the nasty Plaque Monster. Brushing for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing once a day gives you approximately 3 extra hours per month with your child. Make the most of it!
Stick to a Routine: Perhaps the most important thing to remember is be consistent. It’s very tempting to skip brushing after a hectic day, during vacation, or from any number of things that can distract from excellent oral hygiene. Don’t give in to temptation! Building healthy habits now can help ensure a healthy smile for years to come.
Remember that you are helping your child create lifelong habits of healthy dental hygiene. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Ventura, California, call Sunny Smiles Dentistry at 805-644-5516 for more information on how to help your child succeed! Dr. Sunil Ilapogu and our team look forward to creating a healthy and happy smile for your child that will last for many years to come.