Springtime inspires new beginnings, making it the perfect time to reset your child’s oral health care routine. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can boost kids’ confidence, support their overall well-being, and help set positive lifelong habits.
In this article, we go over some fun and unique ways for you to encourage your kids to embrace “spring cleaning.” From creating fun new daily routines to engaging in spring-themed activities to help kids embrace oral health, here are some ideas on how to improve your child’s dental care with the new season.
Emphasize Daily Brushing and Flossing
The most important part of a child’s oral health routine is getting them to embrace daily teeth brushing and flossing. While some kids may take to it right away, others may struggle to stay focused and engaged. Here are some ways you can turn brushing and flossing into a fun activity your child will look forward to.
Create a Fun Brushing Routine
- Let your children pick their own toothbrush, emphasizing their favorite color, a design they like, or even their favorite superhero or other character.
- Let your child decide on the toothpaste flavor to ensure it’s one they enjoy brushing with.
- Find a song from a children’s TV show, social media video, or even one you make up yourself that your child likes, and play or sing it while they’re brushing.
- Offer small rewards for consistent brushing and flossing to encourage them to maintain the habit.
- Tell a funny story or make up a fun game to play while the child is brushing their teeth.
- Brush your teeth with your child, turning it into a low-stakes competition or fun bonding activity.
Alleviate Fears of Flossing
Children might have an initial fear that flossing will hurt or be uncomfortable. To help alleviate this fear, demonstrate proper flossing techniques yourself, or use floss picks more suited to little hands. Floss with your child to help turn it into an entertaining family routine, and provide praise and rewards to encourage them to keep it up.
Spring-Themed Oral Care Activities
Taking advantage of the changing of the seasons and improved weather is a great way to get your kids more invested in their oral health. Use these fun tools and activities to assist in getting your child to invest in their oral care.
“Spring Cleaning” the Bathroom
Using “spring cleaning” as a jumping-off point can be a fun way to get your kids to clean their rooms, or help with outdoor chores. It can also be a great way to start working seriously on their oral healthcare.
As part of household “spring cleaning,” encourage your child to tidy and organize their oral hygiene supplies, and go with them to the store to get new products if needed. Replace worn-out toothbrushes, refill mouthwash, and restock floss so you and your child can start fresh. Let your kids decorate their toothpaste, floss containers, or other oral hygiene products with fun stickers or other items to help increase their attachment.
Healthy Spring Snack Ideas
The new season is also a great time to re-engage with your child about their diet and eating habits. Offer crunchy fruits and veggies like apples or carrots that help clean teeth naturally. Swap out sugary treats for yogurt and cheese to help kids strengthen their teeth, and involve them in preparing colorful healthy snack food trays.
Foster a Positive Attitude About Dental Visits
It can be a struggle to get kids to be positive about going to the dentist. Kids can find the dentist's office to be intimidating or scary, so it’s important to stress to your child the benefits of proper dental care, while also providing encouragement and rewards for good behavior.
Plan a “Spring Checkup” Reward
One way to get your kids more excited about a trip to the dentist is to create a “Spring Checkup” reward. Once they’ve completed a successful dental visit, let them pick out a small gift for themselves, or add extra playtime to their daily routine.
Before heading to the dentist, sit your child down and calmly explain the benefits of the dental professional, while emphasizing that they are a friendly helper who helps keep smiles bright and healthy. You can also take this time to lay out the reward system to encourage your child to be on their best behavior during a dental visit.
If you think it would be helpful, show your child pictures or videos of kid-friendly pediatric dentists so they know what to expect before making the trip.
Address Fears Gently
If your child has a fear of the dentist, it's important to address these concerns in a gentle, empathetic manner. Encourage communication with your child to understand the root of their anxiety, and answer all of their questions openly and honestly. Remind them about the benefits of a healthy mouth, and how it ensures they can enjoy treats without pain or discomfort.
Avoid using dental treatment as a threat or punishment in any circumstance. Try to find stories or games about visiting dentists to help reduce their anxiety. When heading to the dentist’s office, let your child bring their favorite toy, blanket, or other keepsake item that will make them feel more at ease.
Teach Proper Techniques and Lead by Example
It’s hard to expect your child to maintain proper oral hygiene if you and your partner are not doing the same. Here are some important things to keep in mind when showing your child the correct oral care techniques.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
One of the most effective ways to get your child to brush and floss properly is for you to do it with them and show them the proper oral care techniques. Use simple, to-the-point explanations and show them in a mirror exactly how it’s done.
It may also be helpful for your child to “teach” a toy or stuffed animal how to brush. Not only could they turn it into a fun activity, but needing to explain it out loud may help them better understand proper brushing methods.
Keep an Eye on Potential Dental Issues
Undiagnosed dental issues could lead to pain and discomfort for kids, make them scared of the dentist, and even cause them to abandon their oral care altogether. As a parent or caregiver, one of the most important things you can do is to monitor your child for any signs of potential dental problems and to treat them as soon as possible.
Watch for Signs of Tooth Decay or Discomfort
According to the CDC, over 50% of children have had a cavity in one of their baby teeth. To help check your child for a cavity or other tooth decay, monitor teeth for white spots, discoloration, or sensitivity while brushing or flossing. Ask kids about any pain they experience when biting down, or any lingering soreness they have after eating sweets.
If you notice anything unusual, contact a dentist right away and schedule a checkup for your child.
Protect Teeth During Spring Sports
Physical activity such as sports are a vulnerable time for a child’s mouth and teeth. An errant throw of a ball, a wildly swung elbow, or a collision with another child could cause bleeding, tooth injury, or even dislodgement.
Despite these risks, over 37 percent of parents say their child never wears a mouthguard while playing sports according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Ensure your child is staying protected by always wearing a mouthguard while engaging in high-impact sports, and inspect the mouthguard regularly for damage or wear. It’s also important to remind children about proper hydration when playing sports to prevent dry mouth.
Schedule Your Spring Cleaning Pediatric Dental Appointment at Ideal Dental
Spring is a perfect time to renew your child’s oral health routines to build lifelong habits. Trying out some of the fun, simple strategies discussed in this article can help spark children’s interest in caring for their teeth and gums and can turn what otherwise can be seen as a chore into an enjoyable activity they look forward to.
Spring is also a great time to schedule a dental checkup at Ideal Dental. Contact one of our offices today to schedule your child’s next appointment to ensure they have a fresh, confident smile heading into the new season.