Don't Sell Your Kids Short!

We come home from a long day at work and go through the motions of getting the kids to bed. We run the rat race of parenthood only briefly stopping for special memories every once in awhile. However in all of the day to day activities, it is important to stop and focus on the oral health habits you are teaching your children. Afterall, they watch what you do.


If you go to bed without brushing your teeth, they’ll notice. However, if you implement a shared expectation that both of you will brush at the same time, for the same length of time, children will rise to the occasion. Dr. Fuller suggests, “Make it fun while brushing your teeth in order to increase their motivation to complete the task. Play their favorite song, read a story or put on a puppet show.”



If you find that you are nagging them to complete the simple tasks of taking care of their teeth, especially after a long day, try changing the strategy. For example, if they brush their teeth without asking, read an extra bedtime story to them, spend five minutes singing their favorite song. Just don’t sell your kids short and assume you’ll have to nag them forever to take care of their teeth. "When children are given responsibility in small doses they will perform to the level of expectations," says pediatric dentist Dr. Cameron Fuller. 
Happy smiles!

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