5 Tips To Get Your Kids To Brush Their Teeth

Getting kids to brush their teeth can be challenging for many parents. Despite the abundance of tips and tricks online on the topic, many parents still struggle to get their kids to brush their teeth daily. You probably see a few of them. Maybe you tried a few of them, but they are not working as you expected.

It's not uncommon for children to resist brushing their teeth, but if they don't brush their teeth regularly, it can lead to plaque buildup and cause many dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Fun Fact: A typical human mouth contains more bacteria than there are people living on Earth! According to Bill Landers, the president of OraTec Corp, there are 20 billion bacteria in your mouth and they reproduce every five hours. If you go 24 hours without brushing your teeth, those 20 billion can become 100 billion!

As a parent, we all want our children to have healthy and strong teeth, but how do you do that? Don't worry! I have gathered all the information I could find online about this topic and packed them into this blog post for you to try.

This post will contain many creative tips and tricks (all tested by me and my kid!) to help turn brushing teeth into a fun and enjoyable experience for your kids. It worked for me and my kids, so I hope it will be the same for you. Enjoy :)

Tip #1: Let Your Kids Choose Their Toothbrush And Toothpaste!

Your kids don't just grab their toothbrushes right when they wake up in the morning and before they head to bed at night. It's a challenging and boring activity for them.

If you want them to be willingly do it on their own, you have to turn it into a fun and exciting experience.

Take your kids on a shopping adventure, and letting them pick out their favorite toothbrushes and toothpaste instead of bringing home a random one and forcing them to do it, will save you a lot of headaches when it comes to making your kids want to brush their teeth. (Your kids will be looking forward to using it!)

Additional Tip: Spend a few extra dollars to buy a few different flavors of toothpaste for your kid to attempt. It would be more exciting to brush their teeth with different flavors every time, right?

Giving your child ownership over their brushing tools makes it more fun! Plus, children's toothbrush and toothpaste come in a variety of styles and flavors - some even feature their favorite cartoon characters. They'll feel excited to use their cool toothbrush and yummy toothpaste, turning a chore into a mini-adventure.

Also, you must understand that adult toothpaste is not the ideal option for your kids. Many adult toothpastes have a minty flavor that does not satisfy younger children. Which is why many toothpaste brands develop a specific flavor of toothpaste (such as strawberry flavor) for them. These toothpaste options are more likely to be enjoyable for your kids to use.

Summary: Choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste can make all the difference when it comes to getting your kids to brush their teeth. You should let your kid pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste to make cleaning their teeth more fun and enjoyable. It is also important to purchase age-appropriate toothpaste for your kids to use.

Tip #2: Setting A Good Example, Brush Together With Your Kids

Did you notice your kid tends to copy whatever you do or say? For instance, when you're getting ready for the day, your child might start copying your actions and start waking up as well. You can take advantage of this behavior by using their morning routine as a teaching moment.

Here are several reasons why you should set a good example and brush your teeth together with your kid:

1. You set a good example for them to follow.
2. You teach them the proper brushing technique.
3. You have fun and bonding with your kid.
4. You monitor their dental health.
5. And you make sure they don't swallow any toothpaste.

Additional Tip: While you are together with your kid, it is best if you also explain to your kids about cavities, bad breath, and tooth decay. Once they understand why they have to brush their teeth, they will be more likely to brush their teeth.

Perhaps nothing motivates children more than having their parents brushing teeth with them. And also, you're their biggest role model! When they see you taking care of your teeth, they'll naturally and more likely want to do the same.

Summary: Brushing your teeth as a family is always a good idea! When kids see their parents brushing their teeth, it helps reinforce the importance of dental hygiene. In addition, brushing teeth together with your kids also makes the activity more fun and interactive.

Tip #3: Use Apps To Get Your Kids To Brush Their Teeth

Getting your kids to brush their teeth can be difficult. What works like a charm today can be an epic fail tomorrow. One helpful trick is to use Youtube videos or an application on your phone to get your kids to brush their teeth.

One way to do this is by finding a fun toothbrushing video online or through an app. Some video/app breaks the process of brushing into smaller steps that the kids can understand and practice. It will also create a more fun and enjoyable experiment, which can encourage them to brush their teeth more regularly.

Another way to make brushing teeth fun is by turning it into a game. For example, you can challenge your kids to brush their teeth for the entire length of a favorite song. This approach not only makes brushing more enjoyable, but will also make sure your kids are brushing for the right amount of time.

Additional Tip: Use A Timer - Kids often rush through brushing their teeth, which can lead to poor dental hygiene. Using a timer can help ensure that your child brushes their teeth for the recommended two minutes.

Since kids nowadays are easily drawn toward technology, why not leverage it to improve their dental health? There are many educational brushing apps out there that gamify the brushing experience with rewards, characters, and engaging activities. This playful approach can make brushing teeth more fun and helps your kids develop healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

Summary: Kids are naturally curious and playful, so try to make brushing their teeth more fun and exciting by using videos/applications on your phone or tablet to get them to brush their teeth. There are so many educational and interactive toothbrushing apps out there that help turn brushing teeth into an enjoyable activity.

Tip #4: Set A Brushing Schedule!

Humans are creatures of habit, we thrive on routines that remove the need to constantly think and worry about completing certain tasks. By creating a consistent schedule for brushing teeth, your kid will become more comfortable with the concept of brushing on a regular basis.

After a long and tiring day, your kids may feel tempted to skip brushing their teeth before bed, but it's crucial that you don't let them! Set a schedule for them immediately and make it non-negotiable. By making brushing a non-negotiable part of their bedtime routine, you can help them establish good oral hygiene habits that will benefit them for years.

Additional Tip: The earlier you begin, the easier it gets! - As soon as their baby's first tooth appears, start the routine of teeth cleaning with water. This will help your kids get used to the sensation of brushing their teeth, making the transition to using toothpaste much easier as they grow older.

Again, establishing a schedule is crucial when it comes to getting kids to brush their teeth. Try to set a specific time for brushing teeth, such as after waking up and before bedtime, so that it becomes a habit.

Summary: Consistency is not just key, it makes your kid's life a lot easier the more they do it. So make sure to set an alarm on your phone to remind your kids when it's time to brush their teeth. Remember to make it non-negotiable, so they don't temp to skip. This will help your kids establish good oral hygiene habits and ensure that they know brushing their teeth is a priority.

Tip #5: Use Encouragement And Reward To Get Your Kids To Brush Their Teeth!

Encouraging and rewarding your kids for practicing good oral hygiene habits can have a positive impact on their behavior and motivation. By offering praise and rewards for brushing their teeth regularly, your kids can develop a sense of accomplishment and feel motivated to continue brushing regularly.

Additionally, positive reinforcement can also help your kids feel more confident and empowered, which can benefit their overall well-being and self-esteem, which is important to maintain throughout their lifetime.

You can use a reward system to encourage good brushing habits. For example, you can offer a small reward, such as stickers, to help encourage your kids to brush their teeth twice a day.

Additional Tip: Don't reward your kid candy as it can cancel out all your brushing efforts! According to Potomac Pediatric Dentistry, prehistoric kids never worried about cavities because sugar hadn’t been discovered yet.

Summary: Don't just worry about the mess your kids make during their brushing routine, but instead, you should be focusing on making it fun and enjoyable for them. (Making them wanting to brush their teeth again)

Quick Takeaways

Tired of the daily struggle to get your kids to brush their teeth? Use these creative strategies (all tested by me and my kid!) to help get your kids to brush their teeth.

Here are 5 tips to get your kids to brush their teeth:

1. Let your kids choose their toothbrush and toothpaste: Letting them choose their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste can be a fun and effective way to encourage good oral hygiene habits and make brushing a positive experience.
2. Setting a good example, brush together with your kids: When your kids see you taking care of your teeth, they are more likely to want to take care of theirs too.
3. Using apps to make brushing more fun and enjoyable: Kids are naturally curious and playful, so try to make brushing their teeth fun by using many applications on your phone to get them to brush their teeth.
4. Consistency is key, so set a schedule for your kids to brush their teeth: Try to set a specific time for brushing teeth, such as after waking up and before bedtime, so your kids remember the time to brush their teeth.
5. Encouraging and rewarding your kids: Don't just worry about the mess your kids make during their brushing routine, but instead, praise and reward them with things that make them want to brush their teeth again!

Each child has different unique talents and requirements. However, with patience and time, you can help your kids establish good dental habits to keep their smiles bright and shining for many years to come.​

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: What should I do if my child refuses to brush their teeth?

Answer: If your child is still refusing to brush their teeth, you may need to take a step back and try again later. Also, it is important to remember that brushing teeth is a learned behavior, and don't force your child to brush their teeth (too much), as this will only make them more resistant.

Question #2: How can I make sure my child is brushing their teeth properly?

Answer: You should make sure your child is brushing all surfaces of their teeth and brushing for the recommended amount of time (2 minutes). It's also important to supervise young children when they brush their teeth to make sure they don't swallow the toothpaste.

Question #3: What are some rewards I can give my child for brushing their teeth?

Answer: Here are some rewards you can give your child for brushing their teeth: Sticker, treat, praise, toy, bedtime story, or a new toothbrush. You can also ask your kids to choose their rewards, just make sure to avoid candy or sugary treats that can harm their teeth.

Disclaimer

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your dentist to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Again, the content on Ecopify.com is for informational purposes only. Content is neither intended to nor does it establish a standard of care or the official policy and is not a substitute for professional judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ecopify is not responsible for information on external websites linked to this website.