Helping your child to enjoy the teeth cleaning experience will help them to develop the oral care habits that will protect their teeth and gums over many years. But some parents find it difficult to engage their children within the teeth cleaning process. And so within this blog, we’ll highlight 5 proven strategies for making teeth cleaning a fun and interactive experience for children.
1. Create Stories
Children thrive when their imagination is able to take control of their experiences. And so it’s important that parents use the power of the child’s imagination to ensure they brush their teeth. Parents could tell their children a story on the importance of brushing teeth. It could be a story about the sugar bugs that can make holes in their teeth or a story about a princess with a bright white smile.
2. Use Show and Tell
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Every child loves to learn. Parents can inspire their children by using a dissolving agent to show them where the plaque is on their teeth. This process will help the child to see the difference that brushing their teeth can make to the way their teeth look.
3. Bring a Favourite Stuffed Animal
It’s important to bring the child’s toys into the bathroom when teaching teeth cleaning to children. This will help them both to remember to clean and to become comfortable with the process with the stuffed animal beside them. Adults might pretend to brush the stuffed animal’s teeth to show the child there’s nothing to be afraid of during cleaning.
4. Compliment Children on their Cleaning
Encouragement is crucial in any sort of teaching process for young children. And so parents will find their children more responsive if they give them compliments for the job they’ve done. It’s important to show the child they are doing well.
5. Use the Alphabet Song
When trying to get a child to brush their teeth for the full recommended two minutes, try to get them to hum the alphabet song as they brush. This helps focus the child on the task of singing while they continue to brush. It’s a proven learning technique used by many organizations.
By creating an effective and enjoyable oral care experience for their children, parents can instill a sense of confidence and commitment. To learn more on the optimal strategies for success, speak with one of our experts directly.
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the Health Canada Children’s Dental Health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean is also the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
