Skip to main content
Tips to Promote Good Dental Hygiene in Kids Gainesville, GA
Pediatric Oral Health Dentist Gainesville, GA

If you are raising young children, we know that your job can be difficult, especially when it comes to bedtime routines. As you pick your battles, however, we encourage you to fight for their oral health. Brushing and flossing can be a source of dread for many parents, as kids may try to rush through the task or skip it altogether. The truth is, promoting good dental hygiene habits in your child is one of the most important parenting jobs you’ll have. Their oral health can impact their well-being as well as their overall health. Most of all, diligent dental care habits as a child almost always carry over into adulthood.

Here are some easy ways to make dental hygiene more fun for your child at home:

Buy New Oral Care Products

What child doesn’t love brand-new shiny things to use? When it comes to oral care tools and products, there are endless options to excite your child, ranging from cartoon themed toothbrushes, colorful handheld flossers and even cool spin brushes to make the job both easy and fun. Consider taking your child with you to the store to pick out a favorite oral care product.

Create a Reward Chart

You know your child best. What motivates your child to succeed? Is it special privileges such as more screen time, a fun ice cream outing with a friend or a new toy they’ve had their eye on? Consider making a reward or sticker chart for your child and set a goal for how many times they brush and floss on their own in a week or month, then reward them at the end with what you know they’ll work hard for.

Brush Alongside Your Child

One of the best ways you can encourage good brushing and flossing habits in your kids is to let them see you doing the tasks at home. As their primary caregiver and role model, try brushing alongside your child and letting them mimic your actions. This is a great time to explain why it is important to clean our teeth every day.

Do a Plaque Test

Some children simply need to see the hard evidence of why brushing and flossing is necessary. If this sounds familiar, consider purchasing a “plaque test.” These include special tablets that instantly show your child areas that need better cleaning!

Let Us Help

As your child’s dentist, we can provide professional cleanings, x-rays, sealants and other preventative care treatments. We can also discuss proper oral hygiene with your child as an authority figure in the field. However, we only see your child 2 days out of the year. How your child takes care of his or her teeth at home for the other 363 days can make the most impact. For more tips on how to encourage optimal oral health in your children, please contact Gainesville Dental Group. We offer superior dental care for the entire family!

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group

Our Patient Reviews

Bev M.

Very happy with the staff at Gainesville Dental Group. The doctors are caring and experienced. I never am left in the waiting room. The hygienist always ask thorough questions and report to the doctor before the exam, saving me from having to repeat everything. Highly recommend.

Dennis C.

I came to Gainesville Dental Group with a crown that was in bad shape and painful. Dr. Vetter was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and went to great lengths to ensure the treatment to resolve the problem was in my best interest. He and assistant Sarah Riley were very professional yet personable. They worked together seamlessly in a manner that put me at ease and were very focused on fixing the tooth. Any physical discomfort was minimal and both Dr. Vetter and Sarah were encouraging and positive. A very good experience.

Sarah R.

I come to Gainesville Dental Group for my routine cleanings and absolutely love it! It’s very clean and I love how up to date they are with digital X-rays and photos of the teeth. I had to have a filling and they were able to point out on the screen where my cavity was on the X-ray. It’s much easier getting the work done when you have an understanding of what the doctor is doing! Dr. Vetter did my filling and the whole procedure was pain free! I can’t say enough good things about this group!

Linda H.

Dr. Gannon and Hannah were great. They talked me thru my procedure and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. The office was friendly and pleasant. My hubby and son have used them and liked them. I've found a new dentist! Thank You GDG.

Candace C.

Since I started my orthodontic treatment fifteen months ago, the staff at Gainesville Dental Group have been exceptional. Dr. Vetter is so kind and energetic and Kim puts you at ease while she works miracles! I am thrilled at my results and that they worked within my timeframe. I gladly recommend The Gainesville Dental Group for a personalized experience. Thank you!

Kayla B.

The whole office staff is amazing! Super friendly and helpful. Dr. Gannon has always been very nice and does great work! My husband sees Dr. Vetter and has only good things to say as well. I highly recommend this office!

Lorrie M.

This is by far the best dental group I have been to in a long time. The staff is wonderful and caring. From the front office to the Dentists are a class act. Very kind and explain step by step. High quality work. Don't plan on going anywhere else. My husband has had the same experience. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Tell them Lorrie sent you

Bruce Y.

Great dental visit! Went in for annual cleaning and x-rays. Donna did an awesome job and pointed out a potential issue which she brought up to the doctor who concurred. It was an excellent visit. Thank you to the "team" @ Gainesville Dental Group.

Read more reviews Write a review

Contact Us

1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville GA, 30501

Tel: (770) 297-0401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Our office is open for normal business hours and we are following all ADA/CDC guidelines to ensure staff and patient safety.