972-563-1670
606 N. Rockwall Ave., Terrell, TX 75160Getting your child to brush his or her teeth for two minutes, twice a day can be quite a task. Simply setting a timer and supervising can be tedious for both child and adult! At Dr. Scott A. Ervin, DDS, we know that brushing can be fun. Here are a few tips to help move things along.
Rewards Chart: Try using a rewards system for your child. For example, if your child likes stickers, each time your child brushes his teeth he puts a sticker on a chart! Be sure to use non-food rewards to help maintain a healthy smile.
Tooth-Brushing Tunes: Pick a favorite tune and crank up the music! Brushing to a favorite song can make time fly–so get your groove on and brush, brush, brush! Be sure to brush for two minutes.
Two-Minute Storytime: Try using those two minutes to tell a tale of your own! Be sure to use your imagination! Try naming characters after people your child recognizes, and using your best voices. Who can say? Maybe your child is the next super-brusher to defeat the terrible Plaque Monster.
Toothpaste: Using the right amount of toothpaste can make brushing easier for children (and you!). For a child under 3 years old, use a dab of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. For children 3-6 years, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Stick to a Routine: One of the most important things is to be consistent. It’s tempting to skip brushing during vacation, after a busy day, or because of any number of distractions. Don’t give in! Building healthy habits now can help ensure healthy habits for years to come.
Whatever method you use, remember that you are helping your child create lifelong habits of healthy dental hygiene. Call Dr. Scott A. Ervin, DDS at 972-563-1670 for more information on how to help your child succeed!
