It’s an age-old struggle getting your kids into the daily habit of brushing and flossing.
So, what should a parent or caregiver do to create an everyday routine for a healthy mouth (very important work by the way) all while making it fun for kids.
Jazz up the equipment:
Find a fun toothbrush, one with their favorite character, or one they can decorate with stickers. Kid-friendly flavored toothpaste. Sometimes mint can be too minty for the littles. Use a fun timer or an app to make sure they are brushing for two full minutes.
Chart their progress:
Who doesn’t love adding a gold star sticker to a chart. Create a brushing and flossing chart for the week. Twice for brushing and once for flossing, Monday through Sunday. Then once they have finished a week’s worth, they can get a reward – some special time with mom and dad or a new pack of stickers, all ready for the next chart. Check out this free printable brushing and flossing chart from the Tooth Fairy.
Get competitive:
Who brushes and flosses the best? Mom, dad, brother, sister? Ready, get set, go. Remember it’s not how fast you brush and floss; it’s how well you get each front, back and sides, and then floss in between.
Read all about it:
Read stories about teeth and oral hygiene. Did you know The Tooth Fairy Experience tooth fairies have their own storybooks that can be downloaded. And they are in English and Spanish.
Be a dental DJ:
Put on some fun tunes and bop to the beat as you brush with your kid. Bonus points for singing into your toothbrush. We hear it’s similar to singing into your hairbrush.
Celebrate together:
Recognize the little and big wins. Finishing the brushing and flossing chart? Awesome. The first lost tooth? Amazing. A good checkup at your dental provider? Way to go.
Enlist the Tooth Fairy:
The Tooth Fairy loves healthy, sparkling, clean teeth – and if you need reinforcements we are there for you. Request a letter for that special tooth occasion or call the Tooth Fairy Hotline. We have a list of resources that can help you and your child care for their smile.
However you do it, reinforcing daily oral health habits and regular visits to the dentist will be rewarded with healthy smiles, teeth and gums.
