All kids are different. Some love bath time. Others frown. Our team at Lakeforest Dental Associates understands your struggle!
However, when you take measures to make an activity fun or give your child a direct role to play in hygiene, you might see a change.
When it comes to encouraging your child to brush, our Gaithersburg, MD general dentists recommend the following tips:
Make Brushing Fun
Let your child know that the tooth fairy might throw in an extra dime for a cavity-free baby tooth.
Choose a fun toothpaste flavor like bubblegum or strawberry and avoid the harsher minty flavors associated with adult toothpaste.
Often we reward kids for getting an A on their report cards. Perhaps a reward when the dentist finds no cavities during your child’s routine exam? The reward could mean taking your child to a movie of his choosing or lunch at their favorite restaurant.
Let Your Child Play a Role in Oral Hygiene
We recommend changing your child’s toothbrush at least every six months. Allow your child to choose his or her new toothbrush and toothpaste.
There are character toothbrushes depicting favorite cartoon and comic book characters. Just make sure to choose the bristle quality recommended by your Gaithersburg family dentist! Soft bristles are generally better for kids' teeth.
Additionally, your child may want to sample the various children’s toothpaste flavors. Buy two favorites—two that he or she chooses. Afterward, remind your child that they can’t try the banana until they finish the grape! We suspect, they’ll work to get to the banana.
Friendly Dental Office for Kids in Gaithersburg
At Lakeforest Dental Associates, we love treating families and children. Get in touch today to schedule your child’s next dental exam in our Gaithersburg dental office.