Kids Won’t Brush Their Teeth? Here Are 5 Tips!

Sometimes, young children are reluctant to brush their teeth, and getting them through their oral hygiene routine can feel like a battle. As parents, we want the best for our kid’s health, so resistance to teeth brushing can be a worry. However, you are not alone! In this article, we’ll look at five tips that make teeth brushing a fun part of your child’s daily routine.

1. Set a Positive Example

Children learn a lot about the world through seeing their parent’s behavior. If you always set a positive example through demonstrating your own teeth brushing and flossing, your kids are likely to want to join in. This not only establishes positive oral hygiene habits, but also creates an opportunity to bond with your kids as they brush their teeth.

2. Choose Kid-Friendly Dental Products

If you want to make oral hygiene fun for kids, there are a range of products that can help put some excitement into looking after teeth. This includes brightly colored toothbrushes, or those that feature a favorite cartoon character. There are also fruit flavored toothpastes and brightly colored mouthwashes available. You may also like to use a timer to create a game while they brush their teeth, making sure they do so for at least two minutes. A good way to begin is to let your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste, as this will encourage them to have more input and responsibility over their oral hygiene routine.

3. Create a Regular Tooth Brushing Routine

Kids thrive on consistency and when oral hygiene routines are established, it becomes a normal way of life. Stick to set times for teeth brushing, such as after breakfast and before bedtime. Once it becomes an everyday habit, children will learn that taking care of their oral hygiene is non-negotiable.

4. Educate and Explain Why Oral Hygiene is Important

Sometimes it can be hard for children to understand why they need to do things they’d rather not do. After all, there are more fun things to be getting on with than brushing their teeth. However, when you explain the reasons why teeth brushing is so important, they may be keener to get on with the job. Using language that is easy for them to understand, such as brushing, helps to remove the ‘sugar bugs’ that can make holes in their teeth.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Always praise your child for completing their teeth-brushing routine. You could also use a sticker chart to mark the days where they have done well, and once they get a certain amount of ‘stars’ they can earn a treat as a reward. Rewarding good behavior makes kids more likely to continue their good habits, and in the process creates a regular dental routine that continues long into the future.

The Key to Helping Kids Enjoy Brushing Their Teeth

When children resist brushing their teeth, it can cause tension around the matter. This can then lead to further resistance. However, by following our tips, you can teach your child to enjoy their dental routine. It is important to be patient and flexible, as what works for one child may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to get creative in making teeth brushing fun, as the effort you put in will pay off in the long term.

For more advice on oral hygiene for kids, get in touch with your dentist in Cloverdale today.