If you’re tired of your young children arguing with you each night, about whether or not they really have to brush their teeth, try making their dental hygiene routine more fun. Letting your kids choose their own toothbrushes, the next time you go to the store, can help them feel more ownership over their own oral health. Reading age-appropriate books about dental care can help stress the importance of dental hygiene, in a fun way, especially if you opt for books featuring some of their favorite TV personalities or cartoon characters.

Other Tips for Healthy Young Smiles

Choosing a song to play each time your kids need to brush their teeth can serve two positive functions. First, it can serve as a fun signal that it’s time to brush their teeth. Secondly, a song that is approximately two minutes long can help indicate just how long your kids need to brush their teeth. (A timer can be used for the same purpose!)

Kids Should Attend Regular Dental Checkups Too

Just like adults, children should visit the dentist twice a year for dental checkups and cleanings. These are essential to maintaining health smiles, as well as for detecting any issues that may have arisen, such as cavities or gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease.

Caught early, most dental problems including cavities, can be treated with minimally invasive restorations like dental fillings. Left undetected, however, it becomes more likely that extensive treatment will be needed, like a root canal.

This is just one example why it is important to schedule regular preventive visits for your kids, and yourself as well!