You’re not alone if you have trouble getting your young children to brush their teeth without complaint. The good thing is there are ways to make your children not only brush their teeth but enjoy it too! We are here to share with you our three favorite ways to get your children to love brushing their teeth!
- Make it fun.
There are many ways you can make oral hygiene more exciting for your kids. Try making a brushing playlist of your children’s favorite songs, or even find a couple of dental-themed songs. Whenever it is time for brushing, put this playlist on and join your children in their oral hygiene routine. They will be even more excited if you take them shopping for new toothbrushes! Most stores carry toothbrushes both in vibrant colors and with beloved Disney and other cartoon characters on them. Kids also tend to enjoy the excitement of using electric toothbrushes. There are so many fun and creative ways to get your children to view oral hygiene not just as necessary, but as fun! Before you know it, your kids will be asking when it is time to brush their teeth.
- Teach your children the importance of oral health early and model good oral hygiene yourself.
Even though they may not understand why they need to do some things, toddlers and younger children tend to internalize the values parents instill in them. Oral hygiene is no exception. If children see their parents consistently brushing and flossing, they will recognize that this should be routine. You can also try creating a specific brushing and flossing time with your children. When they become old enough to take care of their oral hygiene independently, a particular time will already be ingrained in them. It is essential to explain to children the benefits of certain behaviors. Teach them why a healthy smile will lead to a healthy, happy life! You can even throw something in about making the Tooth Fairy happy if you want.
- Reward good brushing behavior to reinforce it for your children.
Children are driven by rewards just as much as they are driven by fun. Rewards don’t have to be big, expensive, or complicated. They could be as simple as adding shiny stickers to a chart every time your children brush their teeth without being told to do so. You could even let your children choose dinner one night of the week if they have been good about brushing their teeth. Rewards, no matter how small, will reinforce good oral health habits in your children.
Every child should learn the importance of brushing their teeth. Making oral care fun, educating your children about why brushing is essential, modeling good behavior, and rewarding your children when they are doing well are all ways to increase good brushing behavior and overall oral health. Let’s get brushing! Click here to read about wisdom teeth recovery.