Fun ways to get your kids excited about dental care

As parents, we all dream of seeing our children’s bright, healthy smiles. But let’s face it, getting them excited about brushing and flossing can be tough. The good news is that with a touch of creativity and enthusiasm, you can transform dental care from a routine chore into a fun and engaging daily adventure for your kids.

Turn Toothbrushing into a Game

Imagine turning toothbrushing into an exciting game rather than a daily routine. You can start by introducing a toothbrush timer. Choose a colourful, playful timer or even use a sand timer to challenge your child to brush their teeth for the full duration. To make it even more engaging, set up a reward system where they earn a sticker or a small treat once the timer runs out.

Make it a Family Activity

When everyone joins in, toothbrushing becomes a shared experience rather than a solo chore. Designate a specific time each day for the whole family to brush their teeth together. Play a favourite song or set a timer and enjoy this moment as a bonding activity. You can also bring brushing to life with fun, educational videos or songs. Let your child pick their favourite and brush along with the video. Many animated characters and catchy tunes are designed to make brushing an enjoyable experience.

Get Creative with Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

Sometimes, the key to excitement lies in the tiny details. Let your child to choose their own toothbrush featuring a beloved superhero, princess, or cartoon character. A toothbrush with their favourite design can make the task feel special. Let them experiment with different toothpaste flavours too. Kid-friendly options come in a variety of fun flavours like bubble-gum, or fruit flavour. Letting your child pick their favourite flavour can make brushing a more enjoyable experience.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Encouraging your child can be very motivating. Praise your child for their good brushing habits and consider setting up a reward system. For example, they could earn points for each day they brush and floss properly, and then exchange these points for a special outing or treat. Track and reward your child’s daily brushing with this handy printable Tooth Brushing Chart.

Check your child’s eligibility for free* dental with the CDBS

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) offers a fantastic opportunity for families to ensure their children’s dental health without financial stress. This government initiative provides up to $1,095 in dental benefits over two calendar years for eligible children, covering a range of services from basic check-ups to more extensive treatments. By taking advantage of the CDBS, you can help your children maintain healthy teeth and gums while easing the burden on your family budget. Be sure to check your eligibility and schedule regular dental visits to make the most of this valuable benefit.

By making dental care a fun and engaging part of your child’s routine, you’ll help them develop lifelong healthy habits while keeping smiles bright. Regular check-ups are essential to maintaining those healthy smiles, so book your check-up with your dentist to ensure your child’s dental health is in top shape.

*Free when services covered by the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) are bulk billed by participating Practitioners for treatments provided to eligible patients.