I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
If you're constantly fighting with your little ones in an effort to get them to brush their teeth, you're not alone. Astonishingly, up to 75 percent of children aged 6 to 12 don't brush their teeth regularly. This means that most parents have difficulty in this area. What's more, many kids who do begrudgingly brush their teeth, don't do a great job. If you can't seem to get your kids to brush their teeth, follow these four tips for making brushing fun for them.
Get All The Bells and Whistles
Fun stuff makes brushing fun, so be sure to get all the bells and whistles. You can start out with a fun toothbrush that your child is excited about. But don't stop there. Think about purchasing their favorite flavor of child's toothpaste as well as some neat products that encourage them to brush their teeth better. For example, you can purchase plaque disclosing tablets for kids. If they chew one after brushing their teeth, it will show them where they need to brush better.
Make It a Family Activity
Your kids want to do everything you do. Try brushing your teeth as a family to encourage them to imitate your actions. Brushing together will also allow you to make sure your child is actually brushing their teeth and doing a good job at it.
Do a Song, Dance or Story
Come up with your very own tooth-brushing song, dance or story that you can incorporate into each tooth-brushing session. There's a reason why children learn best and get more excited over things that incorporate fun rituals. Rituals help children learn and develop habits without making them work for it. If your kids are excited about the ritual involved, they won't be able to contain their excitement over brushing their teeth.
Set up A Reward System
Reward systems work. If you want your kids to brush their teeth regularly, make it worth their while. Draw up a sticker chart and give them a prize or allow them to have a special treat once they get so many stickers. Use whatever currency works for your kids. If they love to play video games, more screen time might be the best motivator.
There are lots of fun ways to get your kids to brush their teeth. Try one of these tips, a combination of these tips, or come up with your very own idea to encourage your kiddos to brush thoroughly and regularly. Your imagination is the limit. Contact a dentist, like Olson, Brant N DDS PA, for more help.
Share12 June 2017
