Getting Kids Motivated for Oral Care

Taking care of your teeth is essential for your overall health, even baby teeth. While some kids do not quite understand the importance of good oral hygiene, they should still know how to do a good job. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS wants to encourage all of his pediatric patients to get a head start with creating a routine home oral care plan. Take some of these tips for getting your child excited about taking care of their mouth.

The first thing that can get kids interested in their dental health is letting them pick out their own dental supplies. There are so many fun flavors for both toothpaste and floss. Then let them pick a toothbrush that they will be excited to use. Bright colors and cartoon characters can motivate kids to pick up their toothbrush. They may even enjoy a toothbrush that plays music. The music makes the job entertaining plus it keeps track of their time brushing so that they spend enough time.

Another way to entice kids into taking good dental care is to brush your own teeth with them. For little kids, this helps them see what they should do. Make sure to floss in front of them, as well!

Chore charts help for those who need a little extra motivation. These can be simple; such as brushing twice per day and flossing once per day for so many days in a row gets your child a trip to the park or their favorite dinner.

Starting your kids on a good dental hygiene habit young means they will likely keep a good routine in adulthood. To schedule your family’s appointments with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, call our Enid, OK dental practice at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Calming Kids' Dental Fears

When kids are afraid of going to the dentist, if that fear is not overcome, unfortunately, it can sometimes lead to dental anxiety that continues into adulthood. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK wants all of his patients to feel relaxed and happy during their dental appointments. Take these tips for helping kids feel better about dental visits.

Kids feel safe when they are in familiar territory, which is one reason why you should begin taking your kids to the dentist at a young age. Anyway, kids should begin seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, or at least by the age of one. If they start as young as possible, kids will feel familiar with the appointments and be less nervous.

For young kids who have never been to the dentist or do not remember going, try creating a pretend dental appointment at home. Have them lie back on a sofa and open up wide while you take their toothbrush and rub each tooth. Pretend to examine the teeth and mention how healthy their mouth will be after the real appointment.

Taking your kids to your own appointment is another way to get them familiar with the building and the staff. Again, familiarity is key, plus your kids can see that you are fine and there is no reason to fear their own dental appointment.

Keeping healthy baby teeth is vital for healthy adult teeth. To schedule your family’s cleaning and examinations with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, call our Enid, OK dental office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com.