If you’re the parent or guardian of a younger child, one of your greatest responsibilities is helping to ensure they learn positive habits, including a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine, to help them grow into the happiest, healthiest version of themselves.
But whether it’s because they don’t enjoy the sensation of a toothbrush or string floss or they simply resist anything that feels like a chore, many kids struggle with maintaining their smiles. Continue reading to learn more about how you can encourage them to clean their mouths twice daily to prevent potential problems!
Why Does Oral Hygiene Matter for Kids?
Some well-meaning adults assume that cavities or gum disease in baby teeth don’t matter since they eventually fall out to make room for their permanent ones. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Dental disease and decay are contagious and can spread to neighboring teeth, into the jawbone, and affect how their adult teeth develop.
Not only that, but establishing a routine can take time and patience, and your child may be more likely to carry on healthy habits into adulthood if they’re already accustomed to them in their youth. That means a twice-daily dental regimen of brushing and flossing can help your kid build skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
How Does Praise Affect Children’s Abilities?
You’re not alone if you’re frustrated by trying to get your child to brush and floss their teeth consistently. Recent studies have shown how certain types of praise can help kids feel supported, and therefore more willing and likely to want to actively engage in different chores and routines.
For example, a study conducted between January 2019 and May 2020 examined the effects that a parent’s support can have on their kids’ dental hygiene. During the experiment, families recorded videos of their child brushing their teeth while their parents shared words of encouragement. They found that kids scrubbed their enamel longer, which removes more plaque, when their caregivers used general praise, such as “Great job!” or “Good work!”, rather than instructions for how to complete the task successfully.
How can I Encourage My Child to Care for Their Smile?
If your child regularly resists their oral hygiene routine, you might help them stay on top of it by making efforts to praise them throughout the activity. Many parents also find that it’s helpful to establish a consistent schedule, like brushing and flossing at the same time each morning and night, to encourage their child’s participation. Finally, you might try a rewards system and give your child a prize (that’s not candy!) after reaching a specific goal, like cleaning their teeth without complaints for 7 days in a row.
If you have additional questions about how to help your child maintain their still-developing smile, contact your family dentist to learn more!
About the Practice
At Columbus Dental Arts, people of all ages benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping them build the most beautiful, healthiest versions of their smiles. Dr. Fraser, Dr. Filangeri, and Dr. Wolf share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a complete menu of services conveniently under one roof. They take the time to get to know you and your family, then use advanced technology to devise customized treatment plans to improve your dental health. You can request an appointment on the website or call (609) 324-9500.