Kids just wanna have fun, so the last thing you should do if you want them to have healthy teeth is to make brushing seem like a chore. There are many ways to make dental hygiene fun for kids and keep their teeth cavity-free. Do you want your kids to smile when it’s time to go brush their teeth?
Five Ways to Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids
Let Your Kid Choose Fun Colors and Flavors
Sometimes all it takes is a simple thing like the color of a toothbrush to make dental hygiene more fun. Get your child involved by letting them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Whether they want a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or bubblegum-flavored toothpaste, anything that makes brushing more enjoyable will have them doing it more often.
Turn Tooth Brushing into a Fun Dance Party
If your kid can’t stay still long enough to brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes, a little music might help. Create a “toothbrush time” playlist and let them practice their dance moves while they brush their teeth. As long as they’re brushing for the duration of one of their favorite songs, it doesn’t matter if the rest of their body is wiggling around.
Pair Brushing with Another Fun Habit
Another way to make brushing more fun is by associating it with another routine activity that your child enjoys. If they have to brush their teeth before they can get some screen time or read a bedtime story, soon tooth brushing will become a regular part of the day. Here are some examples:
- After you brush your teeth, we’ll read a book together.
- After you brush your teeth, you can choose a snack to bring to school.
- After you brush your teeth, you can watch an episode of your favorite show.
- After you brush your teeth, you can play video games for 20 minutes.
Let Your Kid Earn Fun Prizes
Tracking their progress toward a goal can help your child learn that tooth brushing is an activity that pays off in the long run. Every time they brush their teeth, let them check off a box or add a sticker to a chart. Decide on some fun prizes for good brushing habits, and how many days of successful brushing it will take for them to earn a gift from the tooth fairy.
Plan a Fun Adventure after a Dentist Appointment
Visits to the dentist only come around twice a year, so why not make it an event? Take the day off or leave school early to do something fun together. Spending one-on-one time with your child after the dentist’s office will emphasize the importance of good dental health, and it will also make dentist visits something they look forward to. Here are some ideas:
- Go see a movie
- Visit a museum
- Go to the bookstore
- Go to the beach, swimming pool, or water park
Is Your Child Due for a Dental Checkup?
At Appletree Dental, we always try to make dental visits fun for kids. Our family-friendly office offers Saturday appointments and will work with you to make sure you can fit regular checkups into your schedule. Prioritize your family’s dental health, and make an appointment today!