5 Fun Tips to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Good dental hygiene is something that needs to begin as early as possible. Teaching young kids about the importance of dental hygiene will help ensure that it becomes a lifelong habit. As a parent, you know how difficult it can be to ensure that your kids brush their teeth every day. 

Dental experts recommend brushing the teeth at least twice a day using a good toothbrush and toothpaste. To instill the habit in your kids, you need to find ways to make teeth brushing fun. Following are five fun tips to get kids to brush their teeth. 

Start as Early as Possible

The best way to ensure that you instill the teeth-brushing habit is by starting early. The sooner you start, the easier it will be for the kids to develop the habit. Experts recommend that you start teaching your kids how to brush their teeth at two years old. Make sure that you monitor them while brushing their teeth at that age. This will prevent them from swallowing toothpaste or hurting themselves. 

Teaching by Example 

As a parent, you need to know that children learn best by example. Set a good example for your kids by allowing them to watch you as you brush your teeth. Your child will be more likely to floss if they see you doing it. 

Turn the toothbrushing sessions into a family event or bonding time and make it as fun as possible. Brushing your teeth alongside your child will allow you to show him how to do it correctly. 

Using Role Playing

You can use role-playing to get your young kids to brush their teeth. Use a toy or stuffed animal to teach your child how to brush the teeth properly. Turning the activity into a game will allow the child to enjoy the activity. 

You can take the opportunity to tell a story about the importance of brushing your teeth. Make the story entertaining and educational. This is something that your child will remember for a long time. 

Offering a Reward

If your child is constantly complaining about brushing their teeth, you can use the reward system to motivate them. If there is something that they want, you can offer it in exchange for brushing. The child will be more likely to enjoy brushing their teeth if they associate it with good things. Make the rewards small things, such as staying up five or 10 minutes past bedtime. You can also come up with a sticker book where the child gets a star after every brushing.

Teeth-brushing Song

Make teeth-brushing fun by coming up with a song. The child will associate the song with teeth-brushing, and it will become a habit. The song can help ensure that the brushing goes on for at least two minutes. The time spent brushing the teeth can appear too long for the child. 

If you come up with a song, the child will go through the steps for proper brushing in the recommended time. You can even get a musical toothbrush to help with the timing. Teaching your kids about taking care of their teeth can be a fun activity. Allow your child to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. This will make them feel excited about brushing their teeth.

For more on getting kids to brush their teeth, visit Colwick Pediatric Dentistry at our office in Cleburne, Texas. You can call (817) 382-3029 today to schedule an appointment.