As a parent, getting your children excited about personal hygiene is a challenge. Yet, promoting preventative dental care in little ones is particularly important for ensuring a lifetime of optimal oral wellness. Here are some tips for encouraging a commitment to dental practices.

How to Promote Oral Health in Children

1. Make It a Fun Challenge

Turn daily habits like brushing and flossing into an exciting challenge. Use a chart and give your children stickers for each day that they complete their tasks. When they complete a month of activities, consider rewarding them with a toy or fun outing.

2. Get the Family Involved

Children tend to want to imitate the behaviors of their parents, so this is the perfect opportunity to set a positive example for your little ones. Make brushing and flossing a family activity before bedtime and in the morning. You’ll also have the opportunity to teach your child the proper technique.

3. Recruit Their Favorite Characters

If your child has a favorite series, see if there’s a television episode or book in which the character visits the dentist. Watching the experience play out with familiar faces can help to normalize preventative dental care. Make it an interactive experience by asking them about what the character does at the dentist’s office.

4. Play Music

Experts recommend brushing teeth for two minutes. To pass the time, allow your child to choose a song to play on your phone. There are also smartphone apps available to play music for a set duration of two minutes.

5. Visit a Kid-Friendly Dentist

A family dentistry office that makes their youngest patients feel at ease is the best way to introduce little ones to professional dental care. You can even plan the entire family’s visits so that your child sees that you also get routine cleanings.

If you’re seeking a dentist’s office to help your little one build strong oral care habits, turn to King Campbell, DDS, PLLC. Serving Pagosa Springs, CO, this office specializes in preventative dental care, along with restorative and cosmetic treatments. See their full list of services online, or call (970) 731-2126 to schedule an appointment.