Just like taking baths, there is no easy way to get your kids to brush their teeth. Night time routines can be long and tiring when trying to convince your child that brushing their teeth is a fun activity (when even us adults know it’s not). But as we also know, consistently brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to a lifetime of good oral hygiene and to having your child’s teeth grow in strong and healthy.
So how can you get your child to brush their teeth and to enforce the habit so that they continue to brush without your supervision? Here are a few tips and tricks that parents can use to encourage their kids to use their toothbrush:
Story Time. Plaque monsters, toothbrushing superheroes, an army of teeth – use your imagination to come up with a story behind why your child needs to brush their teeth. Adding this element of fun and excitement will help take their mind off the task at hand. A good story can go a long way.
Show and Tell. Lead by good example. Kids want to be just like their parents and to grow up as quickly as possible. Brush your teeth alongside them, bending down to their height, to show your child you enjoy brushing your teeth and how to make little circles with the brush.
Power of Positivity. Avoid using brushing teeth as a punishment or something that will lead to negative consequences. Create positive associations with teeth brushing. Use compliments and encouragement to show your child that they’re doing great.
Kids in Control. Let your child take control of their dental health by allowing them to pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste from the store. There are lots of flavour and colour options, fun characters, and even singing brushes for your child to choose from.
Singalong. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day and for 2 minutes each time – around the average time of a song. Let your child pick out a song or put on their favourite to play while you brush their teeth. See who can brush the most before the song is over.
