As a parent, your child’s health is your top priority. However, teaching your child the
importance of good oral health can be very challenging, especially for young children. For
children who are not yet school age or able to tie their own shoelaces, parents and caregivers
should be brushing and flossing their children’s teeth. However, it is important to empower
your child to actively engage with their oral health as they grow too. If your children enjoy
taking care of their teeth, they are more likely to retain the lessons you are teaching them.
Positive reinforcement can be beneficial as it will help your child establish healthy habits.
We recommend that your child be seen by a dentist at least twice a year. Pediatric dentists
choose to pursue additional education beyond dental school to specialize in the management
and treatment of children and their dental needs. If you live in the Bedford, New Hampshire
area, our office would be happy to get your children in for an appointment. In the meantime,
here are a few ways to help make oral care more fun and engaging for your children.

Fun Ways To Make Brushing Teeth A Habit For Your Child

Make Brushing Teeth A Family Event

One of the best ways to ensure your child is effectively brushing their teeth and having fun is to
make teeth brushing a family event. Both morning and night, have your family brush their teeth
together so that you can demonstrate both good habits and techniques. For young children,
parents should be the ones brushing and flossing the teeth. As children grow and demonstrate
independence, a parent can ‘take turns’ with their child in brushing and flossing to ensure that
appropriate hygiene is being achieved. Many young children will mimic their parents, so ensure
you effectively brush your teeth for 2 minutes and flossing at least once daily. When the whole
family is actively engaged, children will begin to build a positive relationship towards their oral
health.

Play Music And Make Brushing Teeth Interactive

Playing music while brushing teeth is a great way to add fun to your child’s dental care routine.
Select songs that are at least two minutes in length to ensure that enough time is dedicated
towards toothbrushing. Let your child pick the song each time they brush their teeth so they
can look forward to their next session. Making the session interactive and fun will prepare them
to brush their teeth again. And by letting children pick the songs, they can feel a sense of
ownership over their oral health.

Give Your Child A Special Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Giving your child a special toothbrush or toothpaste is a way to get them to look forward to
brushing their teeth. Many toothpastes are designed with children in mind – opting for ‘tasty’
flavors like bubble gum or strawberry! Creating the option of ‘choice’ is a great way to add fun to
the daily routine. A rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste is appropriate for children younger
than three years old who cannot spit and pea-sized amount of toothpaste is appropriate for
children beyond three years old. A cute toothbrush with their favorite animal or TV show will
help their oral hygiene routine seem like an activity to look forward to each and every day!

Contact Lindner Dental Associates For Pediatric Dental Care

If you are looking for tooth brushing tips for your child or want to set up their first appointment,
our pediatric dental team is here to help. Our board-certified pediatric dentists are patient and
gentle, yet they provide effective dental care for your child. We make your child’s first visit as
fun as possible. Our team makes going to the dentist a comfortable and interactive experience.
From our jungle-themed waiting room to our welcoming dental operatories, your child will find
the dentist to be a fun place they will want to return to time and time again at Lindner Dental.
Schedule an appointment today at 603-624-3900.