Now that school and Fall activities are back, it’s a great time to check your dental brushing and flossing routine. Kids can feel rushed in the morning before school or daycare and are exhausted at night (adults too!). Good mouth care is often brushed aside for extra sleep and saving time. Start a routine now to help you, your kids and family get on the right track. Mouthhealthy.org has steps to help kids get excited about brushing.

1. Be creative: Play fun music, make up a dance, tell a story, etc. to make the 2 minutes a fun experience. 2 minutes, twice a day, is the recommended brushing time. If you have braces or lots of plaque, you may need 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Make it a routine. If brushing becomes automatic it will be easier to remember to do it. Habits can be hard to create but can be achieved. Do you put your seatbelt on when you get in the car? It can be that easy!

3. Give positive reinforcement. Recognize what a good job they did at brushing or remembering to brush. Rewards and verbal praise go a long way!

4. Let them be invested. When they pick out their own brush with a special character, color or feature, they are more motivated to want to use it.

5. Make up a story. Talk to your kids about brushing and make up a story about cavity fighting superheroes, mermaids, animals or other scenarios that your child enjoys.

6. Brush together as a family. Being a positive role model for your kids gives them a reason to try. Family brushing time shows that you care about your teeth and you want your kids to do the same. This can also work with chores around the house. It’s easier when you do things as a group!

If you have more ideas, we would love to hear them. Call and let us know!