Increase Brushing Time With Kids Using New Disney App
While it’s well-known that kids and adults should brush for at least two minutes twice a day, dentist in Newberg Dr. Jennifer McLeod knows that this can be a difficult rule to enforce. According to recent dental studies regarding brushing teeth, both adults and children of all ages generally spend about a minute in the act of toothbrushing. Oral-B and Disney have found a fun new way to help kids brush their teeth for the full two minutes each time.
Good Dental Care For Kids
When it comes to kids and dental care, the earlier you start, the better! Make an appointment for your child to see the dentist once baby teeth begin to erupt or 12 months of age. During this first visit, a small child can get comfortable in our dental office, meet the staff, sit in the chair, and play with toys. These activities combine to make visiting the dentist a positive experience for your child.
In addition to the dentist, daily brushing and flossing is essential for good dental health. Your child’s teeth should be brushed as soon as they begin to appear. Select a toddler-sized brush with soft bristles that will easily fit into your child’s mouth. Brush the surfaces of their teeth gently – once in the morning and once at night – to get them used to good daily dental habits early on.
Encouraging Kids to Brush Their Teeth
As kids grow and develop, it can become more difficult to get them to brush their teeth twice a day, not to mention for the full two minutes each time. Different professional dental organizations have addressed this issue through fun mediums for kids. For example, the Ad Council partnered with the Partnership for Health Mouths/Healthy Lives to produce a series of videos for kids to watch while brushing their teeth.
As another option, Oral-B has partnered with Disney to create an app that helps kids extend the amount of time that they brush their teeth. Called The Disney Magic Timer App, this technology challenges kids to complete two minutes of brushing. Each time kids meet that goal, character images from Disney and Marvel are revealed. The app provides 16 custom animations and 1,600 rewards over twenty-one days, which helps provide children with good dental habits over the long-term. This fun and informative dental care app is FREE and available via Google Play and iTunes.
In addition, Disney and Oral-B are also offering families a chance to enter their Magical Time in NYC Sweepstakes in which the winners win a magical trip to New York City. Five additional winners will be chosen to receive special prize packs!
Regardless of how you encourage kids to brush, Newberg dentist Dr. Jennifer McLeod recommends that children brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. To make an appointment for your child at Newberg Family Dental, call (503) 538-7717!