5 TRICKS to Help Your Kids See Dental Care as a TREAT

It’s hard to get kids motivated to quit playing and go do something that seems so mundane, like brushing their teeth. However, creating good oral hygiene habits from a young age sets them up for success for the rest of their lives. If your kid loves Halloween candy but hates brushing their teeth, our team at Stonebrook Family Dental is here with 5 TRICKS to help your kids see dental care as a TREAT! 

5 Tricks to Help Your Kids see Dental Care as a Treat

As parents and caregivers, we want our children to have fun with the Halloween holiday, however, some of us can be concerned that all the sweets and treats involved will cause cavities — but they don’t have to! This Halloween, the kids can have their candy (in moderation) and eat it too! The key to protecting your child’s teeth is making sure they have good dental care at home. Here are 5 tricks to follow so they can enjoy their treats.

1.Let them choose their own toothbrush

As a parent you get final say of course, but go to the store and let your child choose a toothbrush that has their favorite cartoon character on it or is their favorite color. When your child is excited about their toothbrush, they will actually look forward to using each and every day. For children, Colgate recommends using soft, round-ended toothbrushes that can clean their teeth but aren’t too harsh on their gums. You should begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears, and you should help them until they are old enough to thoroughly brush properly by themselves. 

2. Get a flavored toothpaste formulated for kids 

Children might not be too keen on that minty-fresh flavor adults love just yet, so let them choose a children’s toothpaste with a fun flavor. From bubblegum to cherry, there are plenty of options that will appeal to their taste buds. If your child is under the age of 6, they should use toothpaste specifically formulated for their age, and as the caregiver, you should supervise the use of toothpaste so they don’t accidentally use too much or swallow the paste. Once they are 6, your child can begin using toothpaste that isn’t specifically for kids. 

3. Incorporate their favorite song

Another way to get your child excited about brushing, and to get them brushing for the recommended two minutes at a time, use their favorite song. Click play on a tune they love and teach them to brush until the song is over. To make it even more fun, brush your teeth along with them and dance while you brush — just make sure everyone is brushing their teeth thoroughly. Try switching up the song for the seasons too to keep it exciting – from spooky Halloween songs to Jingle Bells, there’s a song for every occasion.  

4. Read dental hygiene books 

There are plenty of dental hygiene books for kids out there that can explain why and how children should brush their teeth. These books can help explain to children, in an age-appropriate way, why they should prioritize their dental health. For kids of specific ages, try these books recommended by toothtraining.com:

• 0-2: Brush, Brush, Brush! 
• 2-4: Brush Your Teeth, Please and Sesame Street Ready, Set Brush 
•  4-6: Sugarbug Doug: All About Cavities, Plaque, and Teeth
•  6-10: The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums

5. Visit Dr. Kevin Varley and Stonebrook Family Dental 

Dr. Kevin Varley believes that positive dental experiences during childhood are the foundation of a lifetime of good oral health habits. To help get your kids comfortable at the dentist, make an appointment with our team at Stonebrook Family Dental today. Our friendly, gentle team will walk you through everything you need to know about your child’s dental health, and can provide even more tips and tricks for how you can keep their teeth healthy year round — even after they enjoy those Halloween treats. 

Prevent a Spooky Halloween with Stonebrook Family Dental

Children look forward to Halloween every year, the costumes, and most importantly — the treats! Your children don’t have to skip Halloween to maintain good oral hygiene. After they enjoy their treats in moderation, make sure you help them brush and floss their teeth immediately to prevent bacteria from merging with the sugar and causing cavities. Doing this, and following the 5 tips above, will help set your child’s dental health up for success year-round.