If you are struggling to get your children to comply with oral hygiene without complaint, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are ways to make your children not only brush their teeth, but enjoy it too! How can you get kids to start brushing their teeth?
How To Get Kids To Love Brushing Their Teeth
We are excited to share our three favorite ways to get your children to love brushing their teeth with you!
Reward good brushing behavior to reinforce it for your children
Children are driven by rewards just as much as they are driven by fun. Rewards don’t have to be big, complicated, or expensive. They could be as simple as adding colorful stickers to a chart every time your children brush their teeth without being told to do so. You could even let your children choose dinner one night of the week if they have been good about brushing their teeth. Trust us, small rewards will be extremely beneficial in reinforcing good oral health habits in your children!
Make it fun when they’re brushing their teeth
There are many ways you can make oral hygiene seem more attractive and fun to your kids. Try making a brushing playlist of your childrens’ favorite songs, or even find a couple of dental-themed songs. Whenever it is time for brushing, put this playlist on and join your children in their daily brushing routine. They will be even more excited if you take them shopping for new toothbrushes! Most drugstores carry a variety of childrens’ toothbrushes, and some are even emblazoned with beloved Disney characters. There are so many unique and creative ways to get your children to view oral hygiene not just as necessary, but as fun! Before you know it, your kids will be asking when it is time for their daily oral hygiene.
Teach your children the importance of oral health early and model good oral hygiene yourself
Toddlers and younger children tend to internalize the values parents instill in them, even if they don’t understand why those values are important. Oral health is no exception. If children see their parents consistently brushing and flossing, they will think they should too. You can also try creating a specific brushing and flossing time with your children. When they become old enough to take care of their oral hygiene independently, a particular time will already be familiar with them. It is important to explain to children the benefits of certain behaviors. Teach them why a healthy smile will lead to a healthy life!
Final Thoughts On Getting Kids To Brush Their Teeth
Every child should learn the importance of brushing their teeth. Rewarding your children when they are doing well, making oral care fun, educating your children about why brushing is essential, and modeling good behavior are all effective ways to increase good brushing behavior and overall oral hygiene. Let’s get those kids brushing! Regular 6-month checkups are incredibly important, click here to read why.