Getting children excited about taking care of their teeth can be a challenge for any parent. They may have needed your help when they were younger, but having them take charge of brushing themselves, and to have them do it correctly, can try even the most patient parent.
Fortunately, there are plenty of products you can get your child that will make their experiences with dental hygiene much more enjoyable. Here are a few examples you might find useful.
Electric Toothbrush
Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are considerably more efficient in cleaning than their analog counterparts, which makes them great for young children who lack the fine motor skills to brush effectively.
Electric toothbrushes made for children often come with lots of bells and whistles that can make brushing a little more interesting for them. They can be decorated with their favorite characters, play their favorite songs, and even connect to apps on your phone that can make brushing into a game.
Brushing Timers
Many kids struggle to brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes, so it may be a good idea to get your child something that will keep them occupied during that time. Many timers made for children play music, or have instructions that can walk them through the process of brushing. Some of them even come with toothbrush holders that can help children keep their dental hygiene products clean and organized.
GumChucks
Flossing is one of the biggest hurdles for children when it comes to dental hygiene. Mastering the technique requires a lot of fine motor skills, which means that most parents struggle with getting younger kids to do it on their own.
GumChucks are small, disposable flossing implements that feature a small segment of floss sandwiched between two plastic sticks like, you guessed it, nunchucks. It may sound simple, but they’re much easier to use than regular dental floss, and the design can make kids a little more excited about dental hygiene.
Most kids will need supervision during brushing to ensure that they’re doing everything correctly. However, these dental hygiene products may make the brushing process less stressful for both you and your child.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice is a dentist who believes that treating teeth is only half of the job. A good dentist should also be able to get to know you as a person, to make you feel comfortable and to understand your unique needs. Dr. Brice graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School, and has remained committed to continuing his education ever since.
If you have any questions about how to get your child interested in oral healthcare, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (210) 680-3611.