If kids can develop good oral hygiene habits while they are young those habits can follow them into adulthood. The way you teach your kids oral hygiene habits can impact how they view the process. It can be difficult to know how to approach teaching proper oral care. It is not complicated but it is important. In the hectic years while kids are small, something like being consistent with brushing and flossing can feel like a tall order. However, if you can put in the work early on, those oral care habits will have time to become deeply engrained.

Make daily oral care a priority (don’t rush through it)

As mentioned above, it can be difficult to fit in brushing and flossing when kids are young. When you have a million things going on and tiny humans depending on you for their every need, something like brushing their teeth can be a chore that you rush through each day. In the long run, it will be better for your child if you slow down and put more time into the process. It does not take long – five minutes in the morning and in the evening – but pausing to show that oral care is important can make an impression on your child.

Add some fun to the daily oral care routine

Taking care of your teeth does not have to be a monotonous chore. Your kids will be much more interested in the process if you add some fun to the routine. Something as simple as letting your child choose and play a beloved song while brushing can turn it from a dreaded task to a fun activity each day.

Give your child some choices in the process

Kids like to feel like they have some control in their lives. You can use this desire to your advantage while teaching your kids about the importance of oral care. Give your child some choices in the oral care process. Take him or her to the store to choose a toothbrush. Allow your child to try a different flavor of toothpaste once the previous one runs out. Or, you can get wild and purchase a few different flavors of toothpaste and let your child switch it up each morning and night. Look for ways that you can help your child feel like he or she has a say in the daily oral care process.

Stay positive about going to the dentist

Going to the dentist regularly is a part of quality oral care throughout life. When you have a positive attitude about getting routine oral care it can help your child feel the same way. Be careful what you say about the dentist because little ears always seem to be listening.

You can help your child develop good oral hygiene habits with a few proactive steps. It is worth the time and effort you spend because it can save your child from experiencing pain and dental problems in the future.