There is something about brushing their teeth that a lot of kids don’t like. Whether it’s the taste of the toothpaste, the time it takes when they could be doing something – anything – more exciting, or the fact that they don’t quite know how to do it right, the fact is that children seem to try to get out of this daily task as often as possible. And that’s not a good thing. t’s not always easy to convince your kids that brushing their teeth is a good idea, however, so you need to get creative. From talking about the dental implant cost they will have if they DON’T brush their teeth, to talking about the consequences of plaque, you have to be realistic with the consequences for your children. Their dental hygiene matters!
Dental hygiene is as crucial for children as it is for adults. After all, their adult teeth won’t come in looking like they should if their baby teeth aren’t taken care of. With this in mind, here are some ways to get your kids to brush their teeth no matter how reluctant they might be.
Let Them Pick Their Own Toothbrush
Have fun with brushing by letting your kids pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. You can find a toothbrush and toothpaste in a rainbow of colors and flavors these days. Your kid can choose a toothbrush that features their favorite figure from cartoons, movies, or television shows, for example.
Children’s toothpaste is available in a wide range of delicious tastes, from bubblegum to chocolate to strawberry. There are many options for kid-safe toothpaste, so you can be sure your youngster will discover one they prefer. Some people might even be looking forward to finishing their current tube of toothpaste so they can get a new one in a new, wild taste.
Your kids will be more likely to maintain good oral hygiene if you give them a fun toothbrush and toothpaste of their choice.
Show Them What To Do
If your kids don’t know how to brush their teeth, it won’t matter how willing they are to do it; they’ll get frustrated, or the results won’t be good enough. Therefore, it’s a good idea not just to leave them to get on with things, but to teach them exactly how to brush their teeth the right way – show them what to do, and they can follow you.
If you’re not sure yourself (and plenty of adults aren’t), make an appointment for dental cleaning and ask to bring your children with you so they can see the procedure. The dentist might also explain how you should brush your teeth going forward, and if your children are there to hear, that will help everyone.
Make Toothbrushing A Game
Kids love playing games. So, why not let your kids play while they brush their teeth? You could make up a story to explain to your kids why they should brush their teeth. You could tell them that their toothbrush is a hero who wants to fight off monsters made of plaque. Sing a song that helps them brush their teeth for the right amount of time. There is even a daily podcast called Chompers that helps children brush for the right amount of time while telling them fun information. Do whatever you want to to ensure that toothbrushing becomes something the children actively look forward to and want to do well at.
Reward Them
Use rewards to encourage kids to keep up with their oral hygiene so it becomes a habit for life. Make a chart with stickers and award points for daily brushing and weekly flossing.
Hopefully by following these 4 tips you can get your kids to brush their teeth regularly and well!