For many children, brushing their teeth may be one of their dreaded daily routines. As long as your child's breath has lost the smell of last night's dinner, you may be content. However, smell is not the only indicator of good dental hygiene. Here are four fun and clever ways to ensure a long and happy relationship between your children and their teeth.
Listen to the Music
The next time the kids file into the bathroom before school or bed, surprise them by placing a radio on the counter. With their favorite song going at full volume, your children will be brushing to the rhythm in no time. Once the song is finished, they're done brushing!
On the Clock
Do you have an egg timer hidden somewhere in your kitchen? Hunt down the timer and move it into the bathroom. Set the timer for three minutes and challenge your children to brush until the timer stops ticking. If your children are still having a hard time brushing, you may want to join in the competition.
Set an Example
Grab your dental supplies and show your children the proper technique for brushing their teeth by example, a tried and true method of teaching. (Look for proper brushing techniques online at www.kidshealth.org.) This method also works for flossing, doing yard work, washing the dishes, or anything else you can imagine.
Find a Flavor
Trying a toothpaste in your child's favorite flavor may make brushing an activity he or she anticipates. There are a variety of flavored toothpastes on the market. Keep a lookout for banana, grape, or watermelon-flavored toothpaste that make your kids want to brush twice a day.
| Five Tips for Healthy Teeth
Need some guidance for tooth maintenance? Keep this list from the American Dental Association (www.ada.org) handy to see how your family measures up.
Brush twice a day.
Brushing too often or not enough can damage teeth.
Use a soft brush with little paste.
A hard toothbrush can damage gums and teeth, and all a child needs is a pea-sized helping of paste. You should also supervise young children, as ingesting a large amount of toothpaste is hazardous.
Floss once a day.
While it's tough to get children to start, it will prove well worth it in years to come.
Watch what you eat!
Eat a balanced diet and limit between meal snacks, particularly sweets that will damage your children's teeth.
Visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
For these, there are no substitutes.
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