It is very common for children not to want to start brushing their teeth and you are not alone if you have trouble getting your children to do so.
Ways To Have Them Enjoy Brushing Their Teeth
We are happy to share that there are ways to make your children not only brush their teeth of their own accord, but come to love it. Below are our three favorite ways to get your kids to love oral hygiene!
Make it fun
How can you make brushing your teeth fun? We recommend making a brushing playlist of songs your children enjoy. You can even mix in some dental-themed songs. Whenever it is time for brushing, put this playlist on and brush your teeth with your children. You can also try letting your children pick their own toothbrushes. Most stores carry a wide variety of toothbrushes for kids, many with beloved cartoon characters on them. There are so many creative ways to get your children to view oral hygiene not just as necessary, but as fun! Your kids will be asking when it is time to brush their teeth before you know it.
Teach your children the importance of oral health early and model good oral hygiene yourself
Children tend to take on the behaviors they see in their parents, even if they don’t understand them. Oral hygiene is no exception. If a child sees their parents consistently brushing and flossing, they will think they should be doing the same. Creating a specific time for brushing for your kids at a young age will create a habit. When they become old enough to take care of their own oral care, a particular time will already be familiar with them. It is also essential to explain to children the reasons why certain behaviors are positive. Tell them how 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.
Even if a reward isn’t big, expensive, or complicated, it will have an effect on driving a child’s behavior. Rewards can be as simple as stickers or marks on a chart whenever your children take ownership of their oral hygiene routine without complaint. You could even let your children choose dinner one night of the week if they have been good about brushing their teeth the week prior. Rewards, no matter how small, will reinforce positive oral hygiene habits in your children.
Every child needs to be taught the importance of oral hygiene. 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 your kids brushing! Click here to learn why you should always have a 6-month checkup.