Because of COVID-19, many dental practices are not seeing patients for regular checkups for the foreseeable future. As a result, you and your family going to have to take extra diligent care of your oral health during these trying times. That includes making sure your child brushes their teeth. Here are a few tips from a family dentist on how to get your little one to brush their teeth during quarantine.
Make a Two-Minute Game Out of It
Don’t just set a timer for two minutes every morning and night – make an event out of brushing. Blare your child’s favorite song, make up some fun dance moves, or read a story while your little one cleans their pearly whites. Just make sure to switch it up every time so it never gets boring.
Create a Routine and Stick to It
It may be tempting to let your child forgo brushing during quarantine since their normal schedule is all thrown off, but keep at it. Once your child gets in the habit of doing something every day, they are more likely to remember to do it on their own.
Formulate a Rewards System
What motivates your child to behave well? Find that out and create a system of rewards. You could get a special chart and place a fun sticker for every day that your son or daughter remembers to brush their teeth. Once the chart is filled up with stickers, treat them to something they like. Be sure the treat doesn’t have too much sugar, though!
Let Them Pick Out Their Supplies
While trips to the grocery store should be few and far between, many online retailers do no-contact delivery, so you can order toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss without having to be in contact with another human being. Allow your child to select whatever oral hygiene supplies look best to them. Maybe there’s a toothbrush featuring their favorite cartoon character or one who sings a song. Kids are more likely to brush their teeth when they were allowed to have some say in the buying process.
Since most dental practices are closed due to COVID-19, it may be a while until you can see your kids’ dentist again. Keep these tips in mind, though, and your child’s teeth and gums should stay in good condition until their next checkup.
About the Author
Dr. Shelly Strohman is a family dentist in Wichita Falls, TX who has been practicing for 13 years and counting. Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, 13th District Dental Society, and Texhoma Christian Care Center Board of Directors. Her practice is only treating emergency patients for the time being. If you or your child are dealing with a dental emergency, you can contact Strohman Dental by calling (940) 613-0299.