There are times when it feels too difficult to even try to get your kids to brush their teeth. It’s important for them to brush regularly because bad habits can lead to problems with their permanent teeth. According to the CDC, 57% of adolescents and teens aged 12 to 19 had a cavity. You need to make fun for younger kids – here are three ways to do that:
1. There’s An App For That
Smartphones can make your efforts so much easier. You can download an app to help them with brushing their teeth. The apps can have songs on them that they can play while they do that. The songs are usually two minutes long, which is the ideal brushing time. You can ask a pediatric dentist if they have a favorite app.
2. There Are Electric Toothbrushes Available
There are nice colorful electric toothbrushes that often have your kids’ favorite cartoon characters on them. They can play music while they brush their teeth and it usually beeps to let them know to go to the next part of their mouth to brush. The bristles can do the work and you don’t have to worry about your child brushing too hard with a manual one, which can irritate their gums and wear down tooth enamel.
3. Fun Toothpaste
These toothpaste tubes also tend to have cartoon characters on them and have various flavors. While the toothpaste may taste pleasant, you should make sure that your children don’t get into the habit of swallowing it. The ones without fluoride may be OK, you don’t want them to do this with regular toothpaste. Ask your pediatric dentist if they know of a safe children’s toothpaste.
There are other things that you can do, like brushing together as a family. You can also reward them for good dental behavior. The main thing is that you want to have them have habits that stick. Even if it seems like they know, stay on top of it. That can help ensure good visits.
Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in your area to help your kids learn good brushing habits? Purple Vine Dental is here to provide exceptional dentistry in the East Los Angeles area. Contact us today!