Introducing good habits early in life can help you make sure your kids take good care of their teeth as they grow. Teaching your kids about things like cavities and plaque removal is an important part of raising small humans. But how do you get your point across successfully? Using kid-friendly terminology can make brushing more fun. Here’s a story you can tell your kids that explains why they need to brush twice a day.
Teaching Kids How to Practice Good Habits
Poor oral care can lead to major problems down the road. Plaque can build up quickly, causing cavities and gingivitis. If left untreated, the decay can grow worse, spread to other teeth, and even cause premature tooth loss.
Cavities are also painful! Oral pain can make it difficult for your child to eat or to concentrate at school. And early tooth loss can cause inconsistencies with speech patterns as well as misalignment of their permanent teeth.
Talking with your child about oral health and making brushing more fun can help prevent these problems. Plus, teaching your kids how to practice good habits now will lead to lifelong healthy habits.
Sugar Bugs = Bad Bacteria
When discussing dental health with children, the last thing you want is to do is bore them or frighten them. If you keep the conversation fun and engaging, they’ll pay more attention. That’s why we tell parents to use the term “sugar bugs” when talking about the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Bacteria can cause a plethora of problems for children’s oral health, and the “sugar bugs” analogy helps create an engaging story. Tell them how these “bugs” eat sugar and then make their home in your teeth by digging holes to hide in. This helps simplify the idea of bacteria, plaque, and cavities in a way that children can better understand.
How to Make Oral Care Fun for Kids
Oral care is easier for children (and adults,too!) when it’s fun. Here are a few ways to make brushing and flossing more playful.
Make your kid a superhero.
With the sugar bug analogy, you can turn your kids into superheroes. Super heroes can fight the evil sugar bugs twice a day with their toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouth rinse. And don’t forget to mention that eating healthy food can help them become stronger to fight the bugs.
Use songs and stories.
Finding a “toothbrushing song” or reading stories aloud can be a fun way to keep your kiddo brushing for the appropriate amount of time. You can even use songs and stories to teach your kids more about their oral health The ADA has a list of fun songs that are focused on healthy mouths. You could also take a trip to your local library and find some books about brushing your teeth.
Join them!
Children mimic their grown-ups, so seeing you care for your oral health will only strengthen their motivation. Some good behaviors to model are being vocal about consuming healthy foods and brushing your teeth alongside your children.
Pediatric Dental Care in Flagstaff, Arizona
From the first baby tooth to their first wisdom tooth, we’ll be there for your kids. From sealants to fillings, we offer complete dental care at affordable prices. If you’re looking for a family dentist in Flagstaff, Dr. Paul Whitney and Country Club Dental staff are here to help. If your kids are due for a checkup, contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/21/25). Photo by Moses Vega on Unsplash
