Do your kids hate to brush their teeth? Here are a few methods that may help!
If your 6 year old is like any other kid, chances are they aren’t counting down the hours until they can brush their teeth before bed. As a parent, you know just how important good oral care is at an early age, but how can you motivate them to brush their teeth and eventually be able to do it without your prompting?
You’ve probably already told them the importance of brushing their teeth over and over again. While this may not completely convince them to brush their teeth, keep doing it! If your child continually hears about the importance of good oral hygiene, they will understand the importance, even if they don’t put it into practice. So how can you get your child in the habit of brushing their teeth? Try making it fun!
Fun Toothpaste
There are several options for children’s toothpaste that have a fun theme to them. Some may feature your child’s favorite Disney princess or Superhero. This can easily motivate your child to brush their teeth if they see that Elsa is on the tube of toothpaste–they’re likely to reach for it more. Another option for unique toothpaste is one that tastes yummy! Several toothpaste brands make bubblegum flavored toothpaste among other flavors that are different from the typical ‘minty’ taste. You can also likely get fun toothpaste at your pediatric dentist.
It’s also a good idea to take your child shopping so they can pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. This sense of individuality may also motivate them to get excited to brush their teeth.
Brush Your Teeth Together
Your child is more likely to do something if they see that you are doing it. So when it’s time for them to brush their teeth in the morning or before bedtime, join them! You can even make it more fun by turning on some music. While the song plays (for around 2 minutes) brush your teeth together.
Take Them To the Dentist
For obvious reasons, you want to take your child to a kid’s dentist by their second birthday. Additionally, letting your child hear from a dentist firsthand the importance of brushing their teeth could also motivate them to brush more often.
Reward Them
Let them watch TV or read a book for 10 more minutes before going to bed. Rewards don’t even have to be on a daily basis. Making a weekly chart where they can check off each day and night that they brushed their teeth will give them something to work toward. At the end of the week, reward them in some way. This will help them practice good oral health over a longer period of time, and likely build up the habit better.
Get Creative
You know your child best. If they like dancing, maybe try making a fun dance for when it’s time to brush their teeth. Try involving something they love when it’s time to brush their teeth. If they love music, turn on their favorite 2 minute song so that when it’s over, they’ll know they’re finished brushing!
Make it a Routine
No matter what method you choose to motivate your child to get in the habit of brushing their teeth, make it consistent each day and night. This will better help them build the habit of brushing their teeth and create a lasting effect on their oral hygiene when they are older. It is especially important when they are old enough for braces, that they are in a good habit of regular brushing.
If you are located in the Chicago area, visit Brushin’ on Belmont for a fun pediatric dentist. We would love to help you help your child build the habit of regular brushing. We are a cosmetic dentist and also offer child orthodontics, among other services!
Contact us to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions!