What’s the Best Way to Teach Good Oral Hygiene to Kids?

Your kids might ask you why it’s so important to brush and why sugary foods are bad for your teeth. So, it’s important to answer these questions in ways they can understand to establish good habits. 

Help them understand the consequences of bad oral hygiene. Let them know that having good teeth helps them enjoy their favorite foods without toothaches and freshens their breath.

What’s the Best Way to Teach Good Oral Hygiene to Kids?

Getting kids to brush and floss regularly can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, there are many ways to make oral hygiene more engaging and enjoyable for them.

We came up with a list of tips you can try:

1. Make it a game ⁠— Try turning brushing into a fun story or game for toddlers and preschoolers. Pretend their toothbrush is a knight fighting off sugar bugs, or let them brush a stuffed animal’s teeth before brushing their own.
2. Use timers — Use timers or play songs for two minutes to make sure they’re brushing for the right amount of time. 
3. Let them choose — To make the process more appealing, give your child some control over it. For example, they can choose their own toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. 
4. Stories — Find books and videos about dental hygiene with relatable characters to spark their interest.
5. Brush with them — Young children learn by example. Brush and floss alongside them to model good oral hygiene techniques.
6. Educational videos — YouTube has tons of kid-friendly videos that explain why dental hygiene is important in a fun and informative way.
7. Apps and games — Look for apps with interactive activities, catchy songs, and reward systems designed for different age groups.
8. Positive reinforcement — Celebrate their progress and reward them for good oral hygiene. This can help motivate them to continue maintaining their oral health. 

While these are all great tips, the best way to teach kids about good oral hygiene is to establish a regular routine. Make it a non-negotiable part of their daily routine, like getting dressed or eating breakfast. If you need extra help, don’t hesitate to talk to a pediatric dentist. 

Special Tips for Different Ages

Depending on how old your kids are, you might need different methods for getting them to brush their teeth. For example, with infants, you can start wiping their gums with a soft, damp washcloth so they can get used to the feeling.

You should closely supervise toddlers when they brush their teeth but let them do most of the work. Make it quick and playful so they don’t get bored. 

On the other hand, elementary school-age kids are more independent and capable. However, you’ll still need to provide some supervision to ensure they’re doing it right. Finally, with teens, you should focus more on the social benefits of good oral hygiene and a confident smile.

How to Integrate Oral Health Into Your Child’s Life

Encourage them to brush twice daily for two minutes and floss regularly. However, good oral health is about more than just brushing and flossing. 

Making smart choices about daily habits and diet can significantly impact your child’s teeth. Here’s how you can do it:

• Drinking water — Water helps rinse away food particles and fight the acid that causes cavities. 
• Encourage healthy snacks — Opt for crunchy fruits and vegetables, cheese, or unsweetened yogurt instead of sugary foods and drinks.
• Limit sticky foods — Sticky foods like raisins or gummy candy cling to teeth, increasing the risk of decay.
• Read labels — Get into the habit of reading food labels together. You can also teach your children to identify added sugars and look for healthier options.
• Set mealtime — Setting mealtimes helps regulate snacking and limits constant exposure to sugary foods and drinks.

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is the most common challenge for kids to overcome. However, the sooner children start seeing the dentist, the less likely they are to develop anxiety. We suggest visiting a dentist on their first birthday.

Another way to reduce anxiety is to find a pediatric dentist specializing in creating a kid-friendly environment and working with anxious children. You can role-play being a dentist or a patient to help your kid get used to the idea of dental checkups.

Use positive language when talking about the dentist, and avoid phrases like “it won’t hurt” because it can be counterproductive. You can also ask your pediatric dentist to give a tour or a demonstration to help your child get familiar with the environment.

Why Should You Go To a Pediatric Dentist?

Partnering with a pediatric dentist ensures your child has excellent dental health. It gives your child the tools they need for a healthy smile and helps build the foundation for good dental habits.

While general dentists also provide excellent care, pediatric dentists go the extra mile. They have specialized training to address a child’s specific needs.

Here are some benefits:

• Monitoring jaw growth and tooth development
• A kid-friendly approach to dental care
• Preventive care (cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, etc.)
• Identifying potential problems early on

• Reduced dental anxiety
• Specialized treatment tailored to your child’s needs

They can also provide videos, pamphlets, and websites to teach you everything you need about your child’s dental care.

How to Handle a Sweet Tooth

Kids have a sweet tooth, and it can sometimes feel like there’s nothing you can do about it. But you can try explaining how sugary foods and drinks cause cavities. Educating them about oral health is always better than scolding or forbidding them. 

You can get creative with healthy snack options and offer sweet fruits or plain yogurt instead of sugary treats. If they eat sweets, try to have your kids eat them during the meal rather than let them snack between meals.

Encourage them to drink water throughout the day, especially after eating sweets and sugary snacks. Lastly, make sure they brush their teeth 30 minutes to an hour after eating.