It’s never too early to start teaching kids about the importance of good dental care. While children aren’t able to brush and floss their teeth independently until approximately Kindergarten or 1st grade, preschoolers are eager to start figuring out how to do things on their own. Learning about good oral hygiene habits at a young age – including brushing and flossing – sets children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!
Make It FUN! Young children learn best through play, so when teaching them about dental care make it a game. Give them educational pictures to color, sing songs while they are brushing, and teach them about plaque and decay using playdough or paint. Another great tool is to let your preschooler play with the Colgate Tooth Fairy app which includes a game that makes defending teeth against bacteria fun. It also includes a tooth map for showing your child where teeth are coming through or have been lost.
Let Them Be In Charge. Preschoolers love to feel empowered through choice. Letting them pick out which color toothbrush they want and what flavor toothpaste they use will make them excited to brush their teeth. Also, consider getting them a special timer that they can use while brushing to ensure they brush for the full two minutes.
Model Good Behavior. Children look to their parents’ and caregivers’ behavior to determine how they should act. So the best way to ensure they grow up being proactive about their dental health is to model the habits you want them to adopt. If they see you brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash each morning and night, they are more likely to do so themselves. Better yet: make dental care a family affair and have a tooth brushing pajama party altogether each night!
Call us today at 908-998-4698 or visit roselleparkdental.com to schedule your child’s next dental appointment!