5 Tips To Get Your Kids To Brush Their Teeth

Getting kids to brush their teeth twice a day sounds simple, until you're the one reminding them every single morning and night. Despite the abundance of tips and tricks available online, many parents still struggle to get their kids to brush their teeth.

You probably saw a few classic tips before. Maybe you tried a few of those ideas yourself, but they are not working as you expected.

The truth is, it's completely normal for children to resist brushing their teeth. However, skipping this daily habit allows plaque to build up, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems as they grow.

Fun Fact: A typical human mouth contains more bacteria than there are people living on Earth! According to Bill Landers, there are around 20 billion bacteria in your mouth, and they reproduce every 5 hours. If you go 24 hours without brushing your teeth, those 20 billion can become 100 billion!

As parents, we all want our children to grow up with strong, healthy teeth. The real challenge is finding ways to make brushing feel less like a chore and more like something they actually enjoy.

To help you out, I have gathered all the information I could find online and packed them into this blog post for you to try. This post will contain many creative tips and tricks to help turn brushing teeth into a fun and enjoyable experience for your kids.

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

Your kids don't just jump out of bed to grab their toothbrushes right when they wake up in the morning or before they head to bed at night. To a young child, brushing isn't a health necessity, it’s just a boring chore that interrupts their play.

So if you want them to do it willingly on their own, you have to turn it into a fun and exciting experience. (Something they are looking forward to!)

Instead of grabbing a random toothbrush from the grocery aisle and forcing it on them, take your kids on a shopping adventure, and let them pick out their favorite toothbrushes and toothpaste. Whether it's a toothbrush featuring their favorite cartoon character or a toothpaste in a flavor they actually enjoy, giving them that small amount of control can make a big difference.

Additional Tip: Spend a few extra dollars to buy two or three different child-safe toothpaste flavors. It would be more exciting to brush their teeth with different flavors every time, right?

When children get to pick something themselves, they often feel a sense of ownership. Instead of thinking, "Mom or Dad told me to use this," they start thinking, "This is my toothbrush!" That excitement can make brushing feel less like a chore and more like something they actually want to do.

It's also important not to share your toothpaste with them because many adult toothpastes have a strong mint flavor that can be overwhelming. That's why toothpaste brands develop a specific flavor of toothpaste, such as strawberry, bubblegum, or watermelon, for children. (These toothpaste options can often make the brushing session more enjoyable!)

Summary: Sometimes the smallest choices make the biggest difference. Letting your kids pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste gives them a sense of ownership and makes brushing feel more exciting. When kids enjoy the tools they're using, they're often much more willing to brush their teeth every day.

Photo: © ferlistockphoto via Getty Images

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

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

So instead of simply reminding your child to brush, turn it into a family activity. Here are several reasons why you should stop commanding and start brushing 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 bond 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 kid about cavities, bad breath, and tooth decay. Once they understand why they have to brush their teeth, they will be more willing to build this healthy habit.

You're your child's biggest role model. When they see you taking care of your teeth, they'll naturally and more likely want to do the same without complaining. (Perhaps nothing motivates children more than having their parents brushing teeth with them!)

Summary: Children learn by watching the adults around them. Brushing your teeth together helps set a positive example, teaches good brushing habits, and turns an everyday routine into a fun family activity. Plus, it gives you more time to monitor their oral health.

Photo: © ferlistockphoto via Getty Images

Tip #3: Use Videos And Apps To Make Brushing More Fun

Getting your kids to brush their teeth isn't always easy. What works like a charm today can be an epic fail tomorrow. If you're running out of ideas, technology can become one of your best parenting tools.

One helpful trick is to use YouTube videos or an application on your phone to get your kids to brush their teeth. For example, you can play a fun toothbrushing video online or through an app that breaks the process of brushing into smaller steps your kids can understand and practice.

Many of these apps also feature colorful animations, friendly characters, and songs that guide children through the entire brushing routine. Some even reward kids with virtual stickers, badges, or achievements to help encourage them to brush consistently.

One of the biggest mistakes children make is rushing through brushing. So another way to fix this is to turn 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 also makes sure your kids are brushing for the right amount of time.

Fun Fact: According to the National Library of Medicine, parents miss 2.5 days from work per year due to their children’s dental problems. On average, kids miss 51 million school hours a year due to dental-related illnesses.

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 also help your kids develop healthy oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime!)

Summary: Kids are naturally curious and playful, so if your child loves technology, why not put it to good use? Educational videos, brushing apps, music, and timers can transform brushing from a daily battle into a fun activity while helping children brush longer and build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Photo: © Odua Images via canva.com

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.

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.

If your child occasionally forgets, don't worry, that happens to everyone. Setting a daily reminder on your phone, using a visual chart, or creating a bedtime checklist can help keep everyone on track until brushing becomes a natural habit.

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. By creating a regular brushing schedule and sticking to it every day, you'll help your child develop an oral hygiene routine that can last well into adulthood. Remember to make it non-negotiable, so they don't try to skip!

Photo: © ferlistockphoto via Getty Images

Tip #5: Encourage Good Brushing Habits With Praise And Rewards

When children feel proud of what they've accomplished, they're much more likely to repeat that behavior. By offering praise and small rewards for brushing their teeth, your kids can develop a sense of accomplishment and feel motivated to continue brushing regularly.

Whenever your child brushes their teeth without being reminded or does a great job brushing for the full two minutes, let them know you're proud of them. Simple words like "I'm so proud of how responsible you're becoming!" can boost their confidence and empower them to keep up the good work.

You can also create a simple reward system to encourage good brushing habits. A simple sticker, colorful calendar, family movie, bedtime story, or extra playtime together can help create positive memories without relying on sweets or expensive gifts.

Additional Tip: Don't reward your kid with 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.

As tempting as it might be, try not to reward good brushing habits with candy or sugary treats. Doing so can undo some of the benefits of brushing. Instead, choose rewards that encourage quality time, or creativity, such as a favorite bedtime story, twenty extra minutes of playtime, a trip to the local park, or a fun new bath toy.

Summary: Positive reinforcement is a powerful way to build healthy habits. 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 want 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:

1. Let your kids choose their toothbrush and toothpaste: Letting them have ownership over their toothbrush and toothpaste to encourage good oral hygiene habits and make brushing more fun and enjoyable.
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 using YouTube/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!

Remember, every child is different. Some may start brushing happily after trying one of these ideas, while others may need a little more patience and encouragement. Don't be discouraged if progress is slow. With consistency and positive reinforcement, brushing teeth can eventually become a normal part of your child's daily routine.

My Personal Take: If getting your child to brush their teeth feels like a daily battle, don't give up. Building healthy habits takes time, and what works for one child may not work for another. I hope at least one of these ideas helps make brushing time a little easier in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions Related To Getting Kids To Brush Their Teeth:

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 offer another opportunity later. Remember, brushing teeth is a learned behavior, so don’t force it too much, as this can make them even more resistant. Instead, try to make it fun and be patient as they get used to the routine.

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

Answer: You should ensure your child is brushing all surfaces of their teeth 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.

Question #4: At what age should I start taking my child to the dentist?

Answer: In order to prevent potential dental problems, the American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and allow the dentist to identify and address any potential dental issues early on.

Question #5: How often should my child brush their teeth?

Answer: Children should brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Brushing before bed is especially important because it removes plaque and food particles that would otherwise remain on the teeth all night.

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.