Getting your kids to brush their teeth is essential for promoting optimal dental hygiene and preventing cavities, but it’s often easier said than done. If your child is refusing to brush due to pain or sensory issues you might need to discuss the issue with a dentist. However, if it’s plain old childish defiance, use these tips to get your kids excited about brushing their teeth.
Go Toothbrush Shopping
The first step in brushing teeth is, of course, purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste. Include your kids in the process by taking them shopping and letting them pick out these items themselves. Toothbrushes come in a wide array of eye-catching designs, from ones featuring cartoon characters to ones in bright, sparkly colors. Similarly, there are many fun toothpastes geared towards kids, with flavors ranging from bubblegum to watermelon or berry.
Practice on a Stuffed Animal
If your child doesn’t like brushing their teeth, it can be helpful to have them practice on one of their favorite toys, whether it’s a doll, action figure, or stuffed animal. There are also toys made specifically to help kids meet oral health guidelines that come with their own toothbrush. Make brushing into a game by having your child brush their toy’s teeth first, then their own. This fun twist can help make the process less scary.
Add Music
Music can make any activity more fun for kids. Playing their favorite song while they brush their teeth can turn this boring chore into an exciting dance party. Music helps make the time go by faster and can make tooth brushing an enjoyable experience for your kid. Ideally, you want your kids to be brushing their teeth for at least 2 minutes, so you should pick a song about that length. This not only helps ensure your kids brush long enough, but after a while, kids will start to associate the end of the song with finishing their brushing, which can help them get a reliable feel for how long to brush.
Brush Together
Another oral health tip for getting your child used to brushing their teeth: letting them brush your teeth. This helps normalize the tooth-brushing process and shows your child there’s nothing to fear. You can also brush your teeth at the same time as your kid each night to turn brushing into a fun bonding activity and set a good example for meeting oral health guidelines.
Use Stickers
Using stickers as a reward system is another helpful tooth-brushing tip for kids. Get a calendar or journal dedicated to your child’s dental hygiene and give them a sticker each time they brush their teeth. If your child needs more to reinforce this positive behavior, you can allow them to “cash in” a set number of stickers for a reward, such as an extra 15 minutes of TV or a treat.
Choose a Great Pediatric Dentist
Finding a great pediatric dental office is an important part of getting your kids comfortable with dental hygiene. The Family Dental Center of Blair has years of experience providing pediatric dentistry services. We’re committed to making all our patients feel comfortable during appointments. We take the time to explain each step of the process and answer any questions your child might have.
Contact us today to set up an appointment.
