From using a tooth-brushing song to decorating toothbrush holders, here are 5 answers to the question, “What are some fun ways to promote dental health to children?”
- Using a Tooth-Brushing Song
- Make it a Challenge to Defeat The Sugar Bugs
- Have Kids Make their Own Toothpaste
- Have a Floss Competition
- Do Crafts and Decorate Toothbrush Holders
Using a Tooth-Brushing Song
To promote dental health among children, consider incorporating interactive and engaging strategies, such as incorporating a fun two-minute timer song to make tooth brushing more enjoyable or creating a tooth-brushing competition among siblings or friends to encourage consistent and thorough brushing.
Another idea is to establish a reward system, like a tooth-brushing chart where children earn stickers, points, or small prizes for maintaining good oral hygiene habits. These methods can make the task of taking care of their teeth more entertaining and help children understand the importance of oral health.
Beth Vander Schaaf, Owner, Smile Arizona Dentistry
Make it a Challenge to Defeat The Sugar Bugs
A fun way to promote dental health to children is to make it a challenge! “Your challenge is to get the sugar bugs in your mouth. They like hiding, and I’m going to show you some of their favorite spots.” This is where you show them the biting surfaces in the back and the gum line specifically, as these tend to be the areas that kids miss the most.
I love showing them plaque disclosing tablets or mouth rinse because it “Makes the sugar bugs easy to see”. I teach them about brushing twice a day and not rushing out of the house in the morning and forgetting “Because if you do, the sugar bugs start to win.
Christopher Beninati, Orthodontist, Smile Hero Orthodontics
Have Kids Make their Own Toothpaste
Having kids make their own toothpaste with a parent is one excellent way to promote dental health. Young children become more engaged with activities when they see the whole process from start to finish. Making their own toothpaste does just that, and lets them utilize something they made, which can be a huge motivator too. A very simple toothpaste formula only takes 4 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of flavoring like mint or fruit.
Alexandre Robicquet, Co-founder and CEO, Crossing Minds
Have a Floss Competition
We have a floss competition that our children compete in. They both get a new pack of floss, and whoever finishes all their floss first wins a surprise. They are not allowed to use it excessively or cheat. Our son, who is in kindergarten, loves to have something that he can routinely beat his big sister in.
Dena Darroch, Managing Partner, Magnolia Belle
Do Crafts and Decorate Toothbrush Holders
One of the best, most fun ways to promote dental health among children is by using enjoyable activities. For instance, parents and guardians can set up a dental health game for their children. This game can involve brushing their teeth for two minutes and flossing after each meal.
Parents can also reward children with a prize for brushing at least twice daily. Parents can also get creative and introduce fun activities such as creating toothpaste art with the kids or creating their toothbrush holders with fun materials. That will encourage the kids to take care of their teeth, be creative, and have fun.
Finally, parents should also remind their children to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. All these activities can go a long way in promoting dental health among children.
Ben Basic, CEO, Router IP Net
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