SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – Getting kids to brush and floss regularly can seem like an endless cycle of persuading, nagging and threatening, so we’ve come up with some ways you can get your kids interested in taking care of their teeth.

“Back to school shopping is all about getting kids looking their best and setting them up for success. Good dental hygiene habits set them up for a lifetime of great-looking smiles and achieving good oral health, so just consider oral hygiene as part of the back to school routine,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a Nixa dentist.

The same oral hygiene that adults should be doing is what the American Dental Association recommends for children, which is brushing after breakfast and before bedtime for three to five minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day and rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash.

“Most children need assistance with brushing and flossing until seven or eight years old, the age they usually develop the manual dexterity and attention to detail needed to thoroughly clean their teeth,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Springfield MO dentist.

Here are some ways that will hopefully make the process a little bit easier and a lot more successful:

Do Some Shopping

Letting kids choose their own style of toothbrush, toothpaste flavor and type of floss can encourage consistent and thorough brushing. Some children may prefer electric toothbrushes, which research has shown to be equally as effective, if not more effective in removing plaque, than a manual brush when used right.

“Choose whatever works. The goal is consistent and thorough brushing and flossing, so if that requires a fluorescent green toothbrush or tube of toothpaste with SpongeBob on it so be it,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, an Ozark veneers provider.

Keep It Comfortable

Some children might resist brushing and flossing because it is uncomfortable or painful. The size of the toothbrush could be too big or the flavor and texture of the toothpaste unpalatable. Try a smaller toothbrush or one in a different shape, toothpaste instead of a gel or bubblegum instead of mint flavor. Kids only need to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste on a child-sized, soft-bristle toothbrush. Too much toothpaste means too much foam, which can make brushing harder to do. They could have trouble keeping their mouths open for an extended period of time, so let them know they can take breaks to let their jaws rest if needed.

Teach Them Why & Show Them How

Kids are naturally curious and certain children won’t do anything unless they know why. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but tell them why dental care is important. You can personify plaque as the bad guy and explain that brushing is how to defeat the villain. At their appointments, we talk to them about how to brush and floss properly, but parents need to reinforce and remind them of the correct technique. This includes brushing all the surfaces of all the teeth, angling the toothbrush at 45 degrees towards the gum line, and brushing in a circular motion. Help them stay on top of their daily brushing routines by creating a sticker chart or doling out a weekly prize to monitor progress and reward success.

“A common mistake people make when brushing is not doing it long enough. Three to five minutes isn’t a concept most kids will grasp so have them use a song, timer or other system like brushing each tooth for five seconds to get the full amount of brushing time in,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a dental crowns and bridges expert.

Pack A Backpack

A well-balanced, healthy diet is the foundation of healthy teeth. Let them help pack a lunch with food and drinks that will boost dental health. We suggest foods that won’t get stuck in the cracks and crevices of teeth like banana slices, seedless grapes, canned fruit, applesauce and pudding cups, thinly chopped raw vegetables, soups, sandwiches or pasta. Avoid or minimize sports drinks, soda and fruit juice – even 100 percent juice.

“These drinks have a lot of sugar and acid in them, which creates an environment ripe with cavity and bad breath causing bacteria,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett a Springfield Missouri invisalign provider.

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