To all our Essex dental patients, the team at Lister House Dental Centre hope you’ve had a wonderfully relaxing Easter weekend. Now that we’ve all deservedly over-indulged on sweet treats, it’s time to bring the focus back to our dental health and, as our normal routines have been temporarily interrupted, this is especially true for the kids.
Routine is key
Do you have trouble getting your child to brush their teeth twice a day? You’re not alone! It’s common for children, once they’ve reached a certain age, to challenge you to a test of wills and refuse to brush. We highly recommend creating and sticking to a routine in the mornings and at bedtime that incorporates 2 minutes of dedicated brushing and, believe it or not, there are many ways to make this a fun pastime for both you and your child. Keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks.
How about a tooth brushing incentive?
A lot of children respond well to a rewards-based system whereby they can visually see their hard work paying off. By downloading and making use of a free toothbrushing chart, you’ll be instilling a lifelong habit for your child that will make sure their oral health is in top shape. The sense of pride your child will feel by completing a full week of brushing will be an added boost to their confidence!
Shaking things up!
Even adults can find brushing their teeth monotonous, but it doesn’t have to be boring for your children! Why not download an app, like Brush DJ, which times your child’s brushing session, for the effective amount of time, whilst getting them hyped with their favourite music. Get the whole family involved and you’ve got yourself a dental hygiene house party!
Playful learning
Educating your child on the dangers of not brushing their teeth, or eating too many unhealthy treats, is also a great idea. The more informed your child is on the matter, the more confident they will feel in making the right choices for their own dental hygiene. The Teeth Team are a group of dental superheroes that feature games, puzzles and fun activities on their website designed to help educate children on why and how to protect their teeth. The best part is that they cater for all ages so no matter what stage your child is at, you’ll be able to find something just for them. They even have a parent’s portal full of resources and child-friendly advice.