7 ways to make dental care fun for kids

Read books, watch videos and play games about dental care together. Your interest can help spark theirs and it can give your kid a chance to ask questions.

Most kids get excited about picking anything for themselves. If you allow them to pick their own toothbrush, floss and mouth wash, they could be more likely to use them. Just make sure everything is approved by the American Dental Association.

Kids love to mimic their parents, so you can actually make brushing your teeth and flossing more fun by doing it together. Plus, seeing that dental care is important to you can make it more important to them.

Make funny faces. Play your favorite songs. Act like a cartoon character. Anything that makes it more enjoyable—and keeps them brushing—is a winner.

A countdown can make almost anything more exciting. Also, setting a timer doesn’t just make dental care fun for kids—it helps you make sure they brush long enough.

If you soak a hard-boiled egg in vinegar, the shell softens after a couple of days. Use this experiment to explain how sugar and food eat away at tooth enamel. Or, poke a hole in an apple and let it sit for a few days. Use the apple to explain how cavities start and grow without proper attention.

Little stickers can make a big impact. Try putting a tooth-themed poster on your bathroom wall to track your child’s brushing and flossing activities. As they complete an activity, let them add a sticker. After the first sticker goes up, your kid might get motivated to earn more.

If you’re a current Humana dental plan member, you may be able to add a dependent to your plan at any time. If you’re looking for a family dental plan, Humana offers a broad range of plans with varying levels of coverage, many with affordable monthly premiums. To see plans and prices in your area, check out our Humana dental insurance page.