Everyone understands the importance of having a routine when it comes to Tooth Brushing. However, we know how tricky getting your child to brush their teeth can be! This is why we have created this blog post to share some ideas for encouraging reluctant brushers to become more excited about their oral health.
Help Kids Know What to Expect
A lot of anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect and the sensory overload involved in toothbrushing. Reading books and watching videos about toothbrushing, along with going to the Dentist, can prepare your child. Talk about how the brush can ‘tickle’ your teeth, making it more fun for your children. Or even get excited about new toothpaste flavours! We advise getting younger children to chew on the toothbrush without any toothpaste on to allow them to get used to the feeling of having a toothbrush in their mouth.
Make Sure Your Kids See You Brush and Floss
Many people know or have heard of the saying, Monkey See, Monkey Do. This is because your children pick up on modelled behaviour. If you have never seen your parents floss, the likelihood is that you won’t be flossing either. Overall, if you watch your parents take good care of their teeth by brushing, flossing and going to the Dentist regularly, you will be taking great care of your oral health too.
Brush Each Other’s Teeth
Did you know, letting your child brush your teeth is an excellent way to get them excited about toothbrushing? Why not try it simultaneously? Brush your child’s teeth at the same time, mirroring each other. Distraction could be the best way to get this routine started.
Make Brushing a game
Why not turn toothbrushing into a game? Check for ‘Plaque Bugs’; having your child look in their mouth for missed plaque could get them more excited about tooth brushing.
Have a ‘Play Toothbrush’ for your Child’s Toys
Another great way to enforce toothbrushing is to get your child to brush their toy’s teeth, whether it’s a stuffed bear or dolly, be sure to talk to your child about not putting the play brush in their mouth – we don’t share toothbrushes, because we don’t want to share germs.
Give your Child Options
Why not let your child choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. This can be very exciting for them, they may pick the toothpaste based on whatever cartoon character is on the tube, but if they have had their own choice, they’re more likely to be excited about using it. If you’re struggling to find a toothpaste that your child likes, it is okay to start using just a wet brush and get them used to the brushing sensation first. Add the toothpaste when they have become more confident to brush. Additionally, electric toothbrushes are a fantastic option, and a lot of kids find them so much more fun to use than a manual brush. Many of them have built-in timers, so your child understands when toothbrushing is done.
Sing a Toothbrushing Song
Another great idea is singing a Toothbrushing song; this can make their bedtime routine a lot more fun. It should not only help your child to brush their teeth, but it will also pass the time.
Use the Dentists as a Backup
Sometimes parents need extra backup. We recommend saying things like ‘Remember what the Dentist said, we’ve been missing this spot back here and need to brush it well, so you don’t need to go back for a while! We don’t want toothaches and problems.’ However, be careful not to scare your child or visit the Dentist as a punishment. Keep everything positive!
We hope you have found this blog helpful, and it’s made your nighttime routine for yourself and your child easier when it comes to brushing their teeth. Additionally, if you need to book a dentist appointment and live in Selsdon and the surrounding areas, contact us today and register your child!
