Getting your child to brush their teeth is a challenge many parents face, especially when trying to teach younger children this important habit. If you’re struggling to get your child to brush on a regular basis, try one or more of the following tips to make the process a little easier.
Reward Good Behavior
Hang up a calendar your child can use to keep track of their oral hygiene schedule and allow them to put a sticker on the dates they remember to brush their teeth. If they remember to brush every day for a certain amount of time (ex: two weeks), reward their behavior with something they’ll enjoy.
Buy Child-Friendly Toothpaste
Plenty of younger children are put off by the flavor and texture of adult toothpaste, so if you want to encourage them to brush more often, try introducing a more child-friendly toothpaste. Toothpaste options designed for children tend to be milder and they come in flavors and colors that kids like more than mint.
Play Music for Time-Management
Make brushing time a little more fun by playing your child’s favorite song. If the song’s duration is approximately two minutes, you can also use it as a timer. Have your child brush their teeth throughout the song’s runtime and when the song ends, they can rinse their mouth and be finished with the task.
Talk To Your Child
If your child has a hard time brushing their teeth, there’s probably a reason for it. Talk to your child about why they don’t want to brush. The problem could be something as simple as having a toothbrush that’s too rough on their gums or having an aversion to the texture of toothpaste.
Additionally, your child might not yet understand the importance of good oral hygiene, so they may be under the impression that caring for their teeth isn’t a big deal.
Without scaring your child, explain to them that the mouth and body are closely connected and that when teeth are unhealthy, other health issues can occur. Mention that cavities can be very painful and discuss how tooth decay can make them more prone to respiratory illnesses.
Be patient with your child, and lead by example. Brushing your teeth together gives you extra time with your child, which you can use to observe whether your child is brushing correctly and give pointers on how to improve.
