How To Teach Your Kids To Enjoy Brushing Their Teeth
Fun Fact: According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who have poor oral health miss more school days and receive lower grades than children with good oral health.
As parents, we all want our kids to be healthy and successful, including having strong and clean teeth! But let's be honest, convincing them to brush their teeth twice daily is daunting, especially since most kids don't find this habit enjoyable.
Nonetheless, brushing their teeth twice a day is important for keeping their teeth strong and healthy. If you're reading this article, my guess is that you're having a hard time getting your kid to brush their own teeth as well.
But don't worry, I've got you covered. In today's blog, I'll show you the best approach to teaching your kids to enjoy brushing their teeth. These game-changer methods will turn brushing into a fun and engaging experience your kids will actually look forward to.
Table Of Contents
So, How Do You Get Your Kids To Enjoy Brushing Their Teeth?
1. Start With A Routine. If you want your kids to enjoy brushing their teeth, then it's important to set a daily routine for your kids to follow.
The key to make brushing enjoyable is consistency. We are creatures of habit, and routines mean your kid doesn't have to constantly think and worry about having it done. By giving your kids a routine, they will become more comfortable with the concept of brushing on a regular basis.
Tip: The earlier you begin, the easier it gets! - It's always early enough to start teaching your kids good oral hygiene habits. 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.
Routines are important, and it takes time to build them with children. Everyone is unique, including your kids, so be sure to take your time with them. Once you have a good routine established, your kids will most likely enjoy brushing their teeth more.
Summary: Having a routine is very important, especially if you are trying to help your kid establish a healthy habit. A set schedule means your kids doesn't have to constantly think and worry about brushing their teeth, turning brushing into a natural part of their day. This also reduces stress for you, ultimately making brushing a more enjoyable experience.
2. Lead By Example - Do It Together With Your Kids
When it comes to teaching your kids to enjoy brushing their teeth, you really have to be on your kid's side. Even with a routine, sometimes they just don't feel like brushing their teeth.
Instead of begging and nagging your kids to stick to the routine. It is a good idea for you to also grab your toothbrush and start the brushing routine with your kid.
Here are several reasons why brushing teeth together with your kid is important:
- You set a good example for them to follow
- You teach your kids the proper brushing technique
- You have fun and bonding with your kid
- And you can monitor their dental health
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.
Fun Fact: According to the National Library of Medicine, kids miss 51 million school hours a year due to dental-related illnesses. Additionally, on average parents miss 2.5 days from work per year due to their children’s dental problems.
Did you notice your kid tends to copy whatever you do or say? Children learn by imitating their parents, so make sure you're setting a good example when it comes to brushing their teeth.
In addition, brushing teeth with your kid is an important activity that not only promotes good oral health, but also gives you an opportunity to spend quality time with your child.
Summary: Perhaps nothing motivates children more than having someone by their side. If your kids regularly see you brushing your teeth, they'll be more likely to brush their teeth as well.
3. Make Brushing Teeth A Fun Task
Fun Fact: According to Highland Dental Group, approximately 75% of school children worldwide have active dental cavities. Research also indicates that kids with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school and four times more likely to perform poorly when compared to their healthy counterparts.
Brushing teeth doesn't have to be a boring task. Here are some ways to make brushing fun for your kids:
- Favorite Toothbrush And Toothpaste: To make cleaning their teeth a fun and enjoyable experience, you should let your kid pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste.
- A Fun 2 Minute: You can also turn brushing into a game, like a two-minute timer challenge, or listen to their favorite song for two minutes while brushing.
- Use Brushing Apps: There are many educational brushing apps out there that can help improve your kid's oral health by turning brushing into a fun game with rewards and characters.
- Reward Them A Small Treat: What motivates your kid? If it's the iPad, then offer an extra 10 minutes of iPad time to get your kids to start brushing their teeth. If it's stickers, then you must be prepared to give them one every time they finish brushing their teeth.
Tip: Don't forget to encourage your kids. Praise them when they brush their teeth well, and let them know you're proud of them for taking care of their teeth. This will motivate them to continue brushing their teeth.
Don't just worry about the mess your kids make during their brushing routine, but instead, you should be focusing on complimenting their brushing skills.
It's so important to compliment your child's brushing skills and encourage them to brush their teeth. And if you are willing to turn brushing into a fun task and reward them a small treat every time they did it, then I can promise you they'll likely embrace it as a regular part of their routine.
Summary: Overall, children are more likely to engage in activities that are fun and enjoyable. By making brushing their teeth a fun task and rewarding them with something they like every time they finish, you can almost guarantee that your kids will brush their teeth every time.
Quick Takeaway
Many children hate brushing their teeth and that is a fact, but don't worry because this post will definitely help those struggling to get their kid interested in brushing their teeth to enjoy this healthy habit.
In conclusion, teaching your kids to enjoy brushing their teeth is not an impossible task. Here's how you do it:
- Start A Brushing Routine: It means your kid doesn't have to constantly worry about brushing their teeth nor forgetting that they have to brush their teeth.
- Lead By Example - Do It Together With Your Kids: If your kid regularly sees you brushing your teeth, they'll be more likely to start grabbing their brush and join in with you.
- Make Brushing Teeth A Fun Task: Your kids are more likely to engage in activities that are fun and enjoyable. So be sure to make brushing teeth fun, and don't forget to reward your kids something every time they finish brushing their teeth to motivate them.
By following these tips with a bit of patience and effort, you can teach your kids to enjoy brushing their teeth, and ensuring that they have healthy and strong teeth for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:
Question #1: What age should kids start brushing their teeth?
Answer: The American Dental Association recommends that children start brushing their teeth as soon as their first tooth comes in because tooth decay can start as early as 6 months old.
Question #2: What kind of toothbrush should kids use?
Answer: The American Dental Association recommends children to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. It is also advised to choose a toothbrush with a handle that is easy for your child to grip.
Question #3: What kind of toothpaste should my kids use?
Answer: The American Dental Association recommends that children use fluoride toothpaste with at least 1,000 parts per million of fluoride. It is also important to supervise young children when they brush their teeth to make sure they don't swallow the toothpaste.
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.