Dr. Young, Cindy, and the rest of the team are absolutely wonderful! They have provided me outstanding dental care for over 12 years. I’m always greeted with a smile and called by my first name. I always feel relaxed and comfortable no matter the reason for my visit. I can appreciate Dr. Young and his team because they truly care about my overall wellbeing. Everyone is so personable and makes time to speak to me. They are simply the best!
October brings plenty of excitement for kids. Between fall activities, costumes, decorations, and Halloween fun, even everyday routines can feel a little more special. Why not bring some of that excitement to brushing their teeth?
Helping your child develop good brushing habits now can make caring for their smile feel more natural as they grow. The goal is not to make every brushing session perfect. Instead, look for simple ways to make twice-daily brushing something your child understands and participates in. Here are five ideas you and your family can try this October.
1. Let Your Child Pick Their Brushing Gear
Children may feel more excited about brushing when they have some ownership over the routine. Let your child choose an age-appropriate toothbrush in a favorite color or design. You can also offer a few suitable fluoride toothpastes and let them pick the flavor they prefer.
Keep the choices simple. You are still deciding which products are appropriate, but your child gets a say in what they use. A small decision can help brushing feel like something they participate in rather than another task a parent tells them to complete.
2. Turn Two Minutes Into Something Fun
Two minutes can feel like a long time to a child standing at the bathroom sink. Give them something enjoyable to focus on while they brush.
Play a favorite two-minute song, use a brushing timer, or create a short playlist specifically for morning and nighttime brushing. You could even choose a few Halloween songs during October. The entertainment helps make the time pass while also teaching your child how long a thorough brushing session should last.
3. Create an October Brushing Calendar
A visual reminder can help children understand consistency. Make a simple October calendar and let your child add a sticker or check mark after brushing in the morning and before bed.
Focus on building the habit rather than creating a competition. If your child misses a brushing session, simply start again at the next one. The calendar lets them see their progress and can help twice-daily brushing become part of their normal routine.
4. Brush Your Teeth Together
Children learn a lot by watching what their parents do. Instead of only reminding your child to brush, head to the bathroom and brush alongside them.
Show them how you carefully reach the front, back, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Seeing you make oral hygiene a priority reinforces the idea that brushing is a family priority. It can also turn an ordinary routine into a few minutes of family time.
5. Give Them Independence Without Giving Up Supervision
As children grow, they naturally want to do more things themselves. Brushing can be a good opportunity to encourage that independence while still making sure their teeth get properly cleaned.
Let your child begin brushing on their own when appropriate, then check their work or help them finish. Younger children generally still need hands-on assistance because they may not have the coordination to thoroughly reach every area. Your dentist can help you understand how much brushing assistance your child needs at their current age.
Build Healthy Habits That Last Beyond October
Use October’s excitement to introduce a positive change, then keep the habits going throughout the year. Pair consistent home care with regular dental visits so your child’s dental team can monitor their growing smile and help you adjust their routine as their needs change.
If it is time for your child’s next visit, schedule an appointment. Our team welcomes children starting at age 5 and can help your family build healthy dental habits that support growing smiles.
Call Brassfield Dental in Greensboro, NC at 888-363-8692 for an appointment or request an appointment online.