5 Tips for Teaching Kids to Brush

It can be difficult to get children to do the things they are supposed to do every day, such as washing their hands before a meal or brushing their teeth before bedtime.

But there’s no need to fight. Here are five suggestions for teaching children to brush their teeth. Hopefully, you’ll soon have your kids taking care of their oral hygiene chores on a regular basis, with fewer reminders from you.

Experiment on a Doll

If your children are hesitant to brush their own teeth at first, have them practise with a stuffed animal or doll. Demonstrate how to brush their toy’s teeth. They want to look after their best friend, so they’ll be motivated to learn how to brush in this manner.

Select a Child-Friendly Toothpaste and a Fun Toothbrush

Allow your children to choose their own toothpaste and toothbrush. Many are available in kid-friendly colours and with cartoons to help attract the attention of young children. It’s fine if the toothpaste attracts them with funny character images and bright colours as long as it’s approved by the American Dental Association and provides the necessary protection.

Brushing Your Teeth With Your Children

Modeling how you want your children to behave is an excellent way to reinforce important behaviours, such as basic dental hygiene. Show them how to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and to clean each tooth, tongue, and roof of the mouth. Those last two are often overlooked by busy parents!

Recognize and reward children who demonstrate good tooth brushing habits.

When it comes to encouraging your children to brush their teeth on a daily basis, some positive reinforcement will go a long way. After you’ve shown them a few times how to brush their teeth, step back and watch them do it on their own the next day. When they hear that they’re doing a good job, it will motivate them to continue after meals.

Make brushing your teeth into storey time.

Distract your children by telling them a short storey while you ask them to begin brushing their teeth. It could be a silly storey about a child who ate sugary foods and needed to clean up with a toothbrush to avoid getting cavities.

Make sure your children understand the importance of brushing their teeth in between dentist visits.

Getting your children used to going to the dentist‘s office is a great way to get them used to brushing their teeth after meals every day. When children become accustomed to visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings, they are more likely to brush their teeth at home.

If it’s been more than six months since your child last visited the dentist, contact your nearest Ideal Dental office to make an appointment. To improve your child’s dental nutrition, you can also read our article on foods that promote healthy teeth.