Fun ways to reward your child for brushing and flossing

Here at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry we believe in encouraging great dental health along with rewarding our patients. In addition to being a great role model for our children we understand as a pediatric dentist there are things that kids just LOVE!

Often times parents and caregivers want to know what they can do to encourage brushing twice a day, flossing, and saying no to sweets. Well we have some suggestions we know you will love.

It can be as simple as creating a reward chart. Sometimes it’s the smallest reward like stickers that make children happy. We suggest a daily chart with a special place for a sticker or check mark each day your child brushes his or teeth and remembers to floss. At the end of the week if your child has earned enough stickers he or she can have a prize.

How about brushing for 2 minutes? Children have a short attention span so two minutes can seem like forever to your little one. We suggest a timer to help your child keep track of the proper amount of time to brush. If your child brushes his or her teeth for 2 minutes that time can be added for extra movie time or towards an activity they enjoy.

One of the most effective ways to create a positive habit that lasts a lifetime is with positive reinforcement.  Simple words like” great job”, “I’m so proud of you” or “wow you really are getting to be such a big girl or boy” will put a smile on your child’s face.

At Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry we also have a reward system with some pretty cool prizes. We love seeing your child smile, it’s why we love being a pediatric dental office. Ask about ways your child can earn points towards our prizes at each visit. Remember, create a routine for your child and reward them even with the simple words “great job.”