We were all kids once: fighting our parents and trying every excuse in the book to not have to brush our teeth. Thankfully, we eventually grow out of this phase and accept the fact that in order to stay healthy, routine brushing is important. It’s now time to get your kid on board with brushing their own teeth! If you’ve been having trouble trying to set up a brushing routine, here are a few tips from our professional dentists.
Tips for Getting Your Kid to Brush Their Teeth
- Let Them Choose a Toothbrush. One of the best ways to get your kids excited about brushing their teeth is to take them shopping for their very own toothbrush. There are hundreds of colorful, fun toothbrushes out there from Disney-themed to Marvel comic themed that will get your kid excited to establish a routine brushing habit. The best part is they are around the same price as any “adult” toothbrush.
- Sticker Rewards Chart. Set up a tooth brushing chart in your child’s bathroom so that they can see their progress over the course of a week or month. Purchase fun stickers and place two stickers on each day of the week to signify that your child has brushed their teeth twice that day. If your child hasn’t missed a brushing time by the end of the week or month, then do something nice to celebrate the good habit.
- Make it a Brushing Party. Grab your significant other and perhaps your oldest child and turn teeth brushing into a party. One of the most influential ways to start up a good habit is to have your child see others brushing their teeth. Your child looks up to you and your other family members, so why not make a good impression by brushing right along with them?
- Create a Teeth Cleaning Game. Your child is in a very impressionistic, exploratory and energetic stage of their life. If they like playing games, then make teeth brushing into a game as well. See who can brush their teeth the longest, or perhaps see who can make the most foam bubbles while brushing. Making brushing into a game is a great way to bond with your child as well as get them to adopt a routine oral hygiene habit.
- Let Them Choose a Toothpaste. While you’re at the store picking out a fun toothbrush, don’t forget to check out the kid’s toothpaste section. Don’t you remember hating the strong minty flavor of adult toothpaste? It can be difficult for kids to get excited about brushing if they don’t like the flavor of the toothpaste. Work with your child to pick out a fun toothpaste as well — just be sure to review the brands and check the ingredients list. If you’re unsure which kid’s toothpaste brands are the best for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental office in Revere.
Don’t forget that the ultimate goal of establishing a good brushing habit is to improve your child’s oral health. Our professional children’s dental cleanings combined with your help at home can combat childhood tooth decay and cavities. Is your child due for a routine dental cleaning? Book an appointment today at All Pro Dental in Revere!
