Sometimes, it can feel like getting your kiddos to care for their teeth is about as easy as nailing Jell-O to a tree. But don’t give up! Instilling good oral care habits when kids are young is one of the best ways to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Give these tips a try the next time your little one is giving you trouble about tooth-brushing time:

• Invest in a silly toothbrush. Your kids will probably be much more interested in brushing their teeth before bed if they get to do it holding a superhero or princess toothbrush.
• Create a rewards system. Whether it’s a cool sticker on a chart, a weekly allowance, or getting to stay up a little later, incentivizing brushing and flossing can help kids associate taking care of their teeth with something fun and rewarding, and make them less likely to complain about having to do it.
• Show them how much you enjoy it. If you’re kiddo sees you caring for your teeth in a fun, positive way, they’ll want to do it, too. Leading by example is always an effective method.
• Explain in a kid-friendly way why taking care of your teeth is important. Make up a creative story about cavities, or sing a song about flossing. Whichever method you choose, talking to your kids – in a way that they understand – about why it’s so important to brush and floss each day will help them to realize that dental care isn’t a chore, but an important way to take care of yourself.

And don’t forget to bring your little superstar to Hudson Oaks Family Dentistry for their regular dental checkups. We offer gentle dental care to help your child feel as comfortable as possible, no matter what the procedure. Give us a call today!