Good oral hygiene habits must be a mandatory part of a person’s daily routine from a young age. However, most children are reluctant brushers. You hand them the toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and ten seconds later, they are already done. In the long run, it may harm their pearly whites, and before you know it, you are making frequent runs to the dentist with them.
Instilling good oral hygiene routines in children may be tricky, and we must approach it with patience and gentleness.
What Are Some Good Dental Care Practices For Children?
– Brush after every meal, or at least twice a day
– Floss at least once every day
– Visit the dentist at least twice a year
– Maintain a healthy diet and introduce nutritious food items into the diet
Making Oral Hygiene Fun For Children
Now that we’ve established the essentials for good oral hygiene let’s find some ways to make it fun.
- Make Brushing A Group Activity
Just like eating together brings a family closer together, so does brushing. Always brush your teeth as a family, or ensure at least one parent participates in the activity. Let your child observe how you brush your teeth and teach them proper brushing techniques. Help them with flossing until they get the hang of it. Children learn by watching, so let them see your skills and replicate them.
- Use Suitable Toothpaste
Children shouldn’t use the same toothpaste as adults do. Regular toothpaste has fluoride, and if swallowed in large quantities, it can cause white, opaque staining of the developing permanent teeth, commonly known as fluorosis. While choosing toothpaste for children, keep the following parameters in mind:
– It must provide natural cavity protection
– It should have natural ingredients
– It should not contain harmful chemicals
– It must be free from fluoride
– Bonus points if it’s flavorful
If you are looking for a toothpaste that checks all these boxes, choose Himalaya Kids Toothpaste. It comes in three different flavors– orange, cool mint, and bubble gum. While they enjoy the taste, you can rest assured that those tiny pearly whites are getting proper care because Himalaya Kids Toothpaste provides natural cavity protection and combats germs, plaque, and dental caries while maintaining overall oral hygiene.
It has natural ingredients like Xylitol, Pomegranate, Triphala, Neem, Cardamom, Arjuna, and Acacia catechu, which retain over 50% of their original form after processing.
How Do They Help?
– Xylitol provides germ cavity protection.
– Pomegranate combats plaque and promotes healthy teeth and gums.
– Triphala helps strengthen gums and has anticaries and anti-plaque properties.
– Neem helps maintain overall dental hygiene.
– Cardamom helps freshen your breath.
– Arjuna has antimicrobial properties which help control plaque buildup.
– Acacia catechu protects against caries.
Besides, the toothpaste is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain dairy, peanuts, gluten, or soy. It is devoid of artificial flavors and sweeteners, SLS, and fluorides. Finally, it’s safe if swallowed and perfectly suitable for children aged 2-12 years.
It is possibly the best way to get your kids to brush their teeth. Who doesn’t like fruity flavors? While ordinary toothpaste may seem boring to children, their eyes are sure to light up at the sight of flavored toothpaste. You can also let them choose their favorite flavor and a cute toothbrush to go with it. This little act can do wonders to instill a sense of responsibility in children. Picking their toothbrush and toothpaste will make them more eager to use them instead of getting constantly nagged. After all, you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.
- Appreciate Them
Make a fun game out of dental hygiene. Make a chart, and every time they brush and floss their teeth, add a star or a smiley on it. Nothing makes a child happier than an appreciative gesture. A pat on the back, a few words of praise, and a few stars can encourage them by leaps and bounds. You can also take the game further and offer an exciting reward or privilege once they reach a specific level. For instance, if they brush their teeth twice a day for a week, they get a Disney Movie Night with you.
- Create Stories
Get your kids to brush their teeth with purpose by creating original tales that involve brushing as a way to save the day. For instance, their teeth are under attack, and the only way to save them is to clean them thoroughly. Maybe a shy dragon is stuck between their teeth and will only come out if you give it some bubble gum. In every tale, the child is the hero with an infallible weapon, the brush.
- Use A Timer
We should brush for at least two minutes, but children often tend to rush through it. Use a timer to ensure they are brushing their teeth properly. If it’s difficult for your child to focus, play a song and create a fun dance routine, or watch a two-minute video on YouTube together.
Oral hygiene is vital for general health and doesn’t have to be boring. With these tips, you can make it fun for your little mischief-maker and establish a routine that stays with them for the rest of their lives. Take care of their toothy grins with Himalaya Kids Toothpaste, and bring the fruity flavors of orange, mint, and bubble gum to your dental care routine!
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