20 Jun Tips for Encouraging Children to Floss
When food and bacteria fall in between the teeth and gums, they could lead to serious oral health issues such as tooth decay or periodontal disease. Flossing helps get rid of these trouble zones before they develop into bigger issues. If your children are fighting you when it comes to flossing on a regular basis, use the following tips to encourage them to properly care for their mouths.
Show Them the Way
Kids pay attention to your actions much more than you might realize. If you practice a daily flossing routine, your children will notice. Take the time to floss your teeth twice a day to show your children how easy it is to add it into your daily routine. Once the kids start to practice the habit, you can turn flossing into a fun family activity.
Praise Good Behavior
Children respond well to positive reinforcement. If you want to encourage them to floss on a daily basis, you should praise them when they start to do it. The more that kids hear positive reinforcement about their actions, the more they will try to repeat that behavior. You might even want to develop a chart on which they can write whenever they floss so they can clearly see how often they do it.
Buy Kid-Friendly Products
There are plenty of oral hygiene tools designed specifically for kids. Buying floss sticks makes it much easier for children to maneuver the floss between their teeth and gums. These sticks help children learn the ropes of flossing so they can continue the habit for the rest of their lives.
With the help of John Carson, DDS, you can teach your children about the importance of oral hygiene from a young age. As one of Tucson’s top dentists, Dr. Carson provides the perfect combination of treatment options and education to help you and your children maintain your oral health throughout the duration of your lives. To learn more about our general and preventative dentistry services, visit us online or call (520) 514-7203.