5 Tips for Teaching Kids to Brush
Getting children to do anything even mildly uncomfortable or boring is often quite a challenge, and brushing their teeth is no exception. Whether you have a fussy kid on your hands who detests brushing his/her teeth or just a child with poor oral hygiene habits and a faulty brushing technique, the Five tips below can help make tooth brushing both more effective and more enjoyable for any child!
Choose Toothpaste and Toothbrushes meant for Kids
Toothpaste made for adults are often harsh tasting to children and the proportion of its ingredients may be harmful to them. Be sure to provide them with a toothpaste made especially for children which often taste better and are attractively designed. The market is now flooded with brightly colored superhero toothbrushes which are smaller in size and more convenient to use.
Trick them with a Reward System
Small rewards are stock and trade for children, especially ones who really dislike what you are making them do. Rewarding tricks for practicing good oral hygiene can help motivate them to brush their teeth. Rewards can be anything; from a sticker to an extra bedtime story. Just not candy! It is probably best to stay away from sugary treat rewards, however, as it would defeat the purpose of brushing in the first place!
Brush teeth with your kids to set an Example
Like with most things, your children will follow your lead, so it’s important to set a good example for them. One of those necessary life skills every child needs to learn is brushing his or her teeth. Helping your child get in the habit of brushing twice a day by doing the same yourself will help them have good oral hygiene.
Get Them Started Early
Like any habit, the earlier a child gets started and the longer they do it for, the more likely they are to stick with it. The moment your child has teeth to brush, they can safely begin brushing them! By teaching good oral hygiene early, you’ll be providing your child with a foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. It is also best to get started with routine dental checks as early as possible, to ensure that your child’s oral development is coming along without any unpleasant surprises.
Make Brushing fun and personalize their tooth brushing Adventures.
Children will do anything if they find it entertaining, so the simple solution to get them to brush better is to make the process more fun! The easiest way of doing this is to let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Whether they love cars or princesses, bubblegum or mint, they’ll be more excited to brush their teeth if they have a fondness for their teeth brushing accessories. There are many ways to make tooth brushing fun for your child.
It can be daunting to teach your child how to brush their teeth, but these are some ways in which you can make it more enjoyable and successful for your kids to adopt this healthy habit. Though practicing good oral hygiene at home is vital to a healthy mouth, be sure to bring your child in for regular cleanings and checkups, as well. Call us today to make an appointment!
