6 Simple Ways to Motivate Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Children’s teeth need to be brushed at least twice a day, but brushing teeth can often be boring for kids. They often refuse to brush their teeth because they don't like the taste of the toothpaste or the feel of the toothbrush. In this post, we are sharing 6 simple ways to motivate kids to brush their teeth.
1. Show your child the proper technique for brushing their teeth.
The right technique for brushing your teeth is important. Using too much toothpaste, using the wrong type of toothbrush, or brushing too hard can lead to plaque build-up, cavities, and other dental issues. Using your own toothbrush, show your child how to start by wetting your toothbrush and adding a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to it. Then, use gentle circular motions to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, focusing on the outside surfaces of the teeth near your cheeks.
2. Give your child a variety of toothpaste flavors and toothbrushes to choose from.
The key here is to find a flavor that they will like and will want to brush with. Including them in choosing their toothbrush is also a great way to get them involved and help them feel empowered to take responsibility for their daily oral hygiene.
3. Reinforce your child’s positive oral hygiene behaviors with rewards and incentives.
Children’s oral health routines can be difficult to manage at times. They may feel unmotivated, and it may take a lot of time and effort for parents to get them to brush their teeth. But there is a way for parents to get their children excited about brushing their teeth: by rewarding them with stickers or making toothbrushing fun.
Consider brushing your teeth together and taking turns mirroring each other while you brush your teeth. Another tip is to play a designated toothbrushing song that’s at least two minutes. Once the song is over, your child can stop brushing their teeth.
4. Make mutual goals for your child’s dental health.
Be each other’s accountability partner and cheerleader. Talk about your oral hygiene goals and ways you can achieve them. You want your child to have a healthy smile, and so do we. That’s why our dental team in Escondido, CA is here to help. Your child deserves the best care from a dentist who will give them the time and attention they deserve.
5. Use strategies that work for your child's temperament and personality type
Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to encouraging your child to brush their teeth. What might work for one child may not work for another, and vice versa. There are several types of temperaments and personality types to be aware of in order to empower and educate your child accordingly. For example, an introverted child may prefer to brush their teeth alone alone, while an extroverted child may enjoy having company while they brush their teeth.
6. Empower your child to take responsibility for their own oral hygiene.
Once your child is old enough and ready to take responsibility for brushing their teeth, give them the opportunity to brush their teeth on their own. A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Dentistry found that children who brush their teeth without parental supervision are more likely to brush using proper technique. The study surveyed more than 1,000 children aged 3 to 6 years of age who were supervised while brushing their teeth and found that only about half of them did so correctly.
At Andrew Kim, DDS, we are always looking for new ways to improve the dental health of patients. Our goal has always been and will always be to create and maintain a family-oriented dental practice that empowers and equips all our patients to create healthy dental hygiene habits.
At our family-friendly Escondido dental office, we provide preventative care, cleaning, and dental procedures to help our patients be confident in both their smiles and overall health. Call us at (760) 747-5295 to book your dental appointment with us
Read More Posts
Andrew Kim, DDS is an Escondido dentist providing advanced dental treatment to the Escondido communities and the Northern San Diego area. We make your comfort and oral health our top priority. Book your appointment today!