Tips for Brushing Platte City, MO
Brushing at least twice a day is an important habit for everyone, adults and children alike. As a parent, however, you know what a struggle it can be to get your kid to brush for the two full minutes, let alone brush their teeth at all. It always seems as though your child wants to get through brushing as quickly as possible to get back to something more fun. Some children attempt to avoid brushing altogether. It can be exhausting. At Platte Valley Dental Care, we have compiled a list of tips to help to make brushing a little easier for your child, and for you as well.
Let Your Child Pick Their ToolsWhen you pick out your toothbrush, you most likely do not pay too much attention to anything other than making sure that the bristles are soft. Have you ever looked at the oral care products for kids? Toothbrushes are available in a wide array of different colors. Many toothbrushes and toothpastes feature popular cartoon characters. You might know their favorite color or cartoon character, but your child may still not want to brush. Instead, let them pick their very own toothbrush. Your child might be more likely to want to use one that they got to choose on their very own.
Check Out Brushing BooksBooks are a great way to introduce your child to a variety of different topics. This includes the importance of brushing. Books for kids present the topic in a way that they can understand. They have easy to follow stories, fun characters, and bright colors. Try breaking out a book about brushing before it is time to clean teeth.
Play MusicYour child, like you, should brush for two full minutes. This can feel like an eternity. You can download songs about brushing that last two minutes. There are apps as well that help your child have fun while they brush. You can also check online for lyrics about brushing that are sung along to popular kids tunes. You can sing while your child brushes. With music, the two minutes will go by much faster.
Make Up an AdventureBrushing does not have to be boring. Instead, you can turn it into an adventure. Your child can be a superhero with their sidekick, their toothbrush. Together, they must fight against the evil sugar bugs, or plaque and bacteria, to save their teeth. When you make brushing an adventure, your child is much more likely to have fun with it.
Brush TogetherIt might not seem like it all of the time, but your child watches everything you do. They also mimic what you do. If they see you brushing your teeth regularly, they are more likely to see it as a normal part of their day. Still, it can be boring to brush alone. Instead, brush your teeth with your child. Let them watch you so they can learn the proper technique. You can even let them practice on your teeth. Watch them as they brush their teeth and help them when they are finished to get any spots they may have missed.
Getting your child to brush does not have to be a tiring experience. For more tips and tricks on how to help your child develop proper oral hygiene practices or to schedule a dental cleaning and exam, call Platte Valley Dental Care at (816)858-2027 today. |