Help your child maintain a healthy smile by making dental care fun! Jim S. Caudill, DMD, PSC in Hazard, KY, has been getting kids excited to jump in the dentist's chair since 1975. He says making brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings positive experiences will encourage healthy habits and a bright smile that last a lifetime.

A Family Dentist Shares 4 Tips for Getting Kids Excited About Oral Hygiene

1. Make Dental Care a Family Affair

You child likely looks up to you for everything. Dental care shouldn’t be any different, so lead by example by brushing and flossing together. Show them the proper way to hold the floss, clean their tongue, and rinse their mouths with mouthwash. You can even try making this healthy habit a fun experience by making up a fun song or silly rhyme about keeping teeth clean.

2. Play Their Favorite Song

It can be tough to get your child to brush their teeth for the required two minutes. Make the time pass quickly by playing their favorite song in the background. Let them play DJ and make it a game to brush for the entire length of the song.

3. Create a Reward System

Have a child who hates brushing twice a day or flossing once daily? Make the process more enjoyable by creating a reward system. Buy or create a monthly calendar, and stick on a gold star each time they brush or floss. If they make it to the end of the month with all of their gold stars, they get a fun prize, like dinner at their favorite restaurant, a new toy, or a trip to the park.

4. Buy Fun Supplies

Who says oral hygiene tools need to be boring? There are plenty of fun toothbrushes, toothpastes, and mouth rinses that will help your child look forward to brushing and flossing. Let them choose a toothbrush in their favorite color or with one of their favorite characters. There are also plenty of flavored toothpastes as well as mouth rinses that leave behind a colored tint where they’ve missed a spot.

For more advice on how to improve your child’s oral hygiene habits, speak with Jim S. Caudill, DMD, PSC and his team of family dentistry experts. This dentist is known as the area’s leading oral care provider. They offer a wide range of services that serve families’ individual needs, from teeth cleanings to dentures. Schedule your appointment today by calling (606) 436-3432. For more information, visit them online.