It can be a struggle to get your children excited about brushing their teeth. You’re not alone. However, with a little bit of guidance and the proper motivation and products, they’ll learn to build their own oral hygiene routine in no time. When their smiles look great and stay problem-free for years to come, they’ll thank you for teaching them how to protect their oral health! Here are 4 tips you can use to get your child to brush their teeth.
Tip #1: Start their oral hygiene routine early.
It’s a good idea to start brushing your baby’s teeth before they even come in to establish a healthy routine. Before their first tooth, use a damp washcloth to wipe their gums after feedings.
Once your child’s first teeth start coming in, you can use a baby toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. From ages three to six, you can up that to a pea-sized amount.
Starting them off early lets them get used to the sensation of having their teeth brushed and will make the transition to taking care of their own oral hygiene easier.
Tip #2: Educate them on why teeth brushing matters.
A common myth is that since baby teeth just fall out anyway, brushing them isn’t that important. However, at that point, brushing is less about the teeth and more about the gums and overall foundation of your child’s oral health.
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is important at any age to lower the risk of gum disease, cavities, and other dental trouble. Even after cavities are gone, they can still have lasting effects on your child’s teeth. It’s important not to scare them while also stressing how brushing and flossing are important and keep bacteria away.
If you’re not sure how to broach this topic with your child, there are plenty of resources out there that will make your job easier. Try finding some children’s books or kid-friendly videos that talk about oral hygiene to ease into this conversation.
Tip #3: Positive reinforcement works!
Kids look up to their parents. A little bit of praise can go a long way. Complimenting your child’s efforts to take care of their teeth works best. As you’re supervising their oral hygiene regimen, throw in some specifics! Positively reinforcing certain aspects of their routine encourages them to keep going. For example, you can say “You really got those back teeth this time, great job!” or something to that effect.
Tip #4: Let them choose their own oral hygiene supplies.
Giving your child the opportunity to get engaged in their oral health and make their own choices gets them excited about brushing their teeth.
They can pick a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character on it or an electric one that sings a song. Let them pick a specific toothpaste or floss flavor so they’re happy they got to choose!
Just make sure you’re taking into account what benefits their smile. They can have their fancy effects, but check that the toothbrush is soft-bristled and the toothpaste has fluoride. Then, they can have fun while maintaining their oral health!
About the Author
At Hamilton Pediatric Dental Care, Dr. Michael Rullo ensures children of all ages receive high-quality dental services so their smiles stay strong and cavity-free. Our team has specialized pediatric training to ensure a positive, comfortable experience. Are you having trouble getting your child to brush their teeth? If so, our team can help. Be sure to contact Dr. Rullo at his website or by phone at (905) 525 8272.