5 Easy Ways to help your kids Brush and Floss

Sometimes it feels like kids will do anything to stay away from keeping a healthy lifestyle. From eating vegetables to brushing their teeth, it just feels impossible. But it is important as parents to make sure that these daily routines are kept, especially brushing and flossing. As dental professionals, we don’t see our patients every day, so it makes it hard for us to be on top of everybody. But what we can do is teach parents how to get their kids into that a healthy lifestyle, and how to make brushing and flossing fun at home! Here are some ways to do this:

1. Make it a fun game – Competition is a big motivator for kids, so try and make a game out of it, whether it is with both kids or mom and child, making a game out of brushing their teeth at night will definitely push them to brush more!

2. Try an electronic toothbrush – Kids don’t have much patience for hassle and tedium. An electronic toothbrush can reduce some of the frustration and make it fun for the kids to brush their teeth. While it is easier than using a manual toothbrush, it actually helps them brush their teeth a little better, with less work. Even adults love their electric tooth brushes!

3. Let them pick out the supplies – Let’s be honest, what kid doesn’t like to pick out their own toys? By letting them pick out their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss (with mom or dad’s help), makes them a little bit more excited about the purchase, and hopefully a little more excited about brushing and flossing!

4. Have mom and dad brush and floss with them – Kids love to follow what mom and dad do, so why not brush and floss with them? Kids are constantly looking up to their parents as role models, so it doesn’t hurt to show them how to brush and floss, or even do it with them.