Strategies to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

Encouraging  your child to maintain good dental hygiene can be a challenge for many parents. However, with some creative approaches, you can make the process enjoyable and effective. Here are some tips to help you out:

OPT FOR FRUIT-FLAVORED FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE:

Some children dislike the strong mint taste of conventional toothpaste.  Consider using fruit-flavoured fluoride toothpaste or even a non-flavoured toothpaste such as Ora Nurse. This can make brushing a more enjoyable experience for your child while still providing essential dental care.

USE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF TOOTHPASTE:

For children aged two and older, a ‘pea-sized’ amount of toothpaste is sufficient. For those under two, use just a ‘smear’ to ensure they receive the right level of fluoride protection.

CHOOSE TOOTHBRUSHES WITH SMALL HEADS:

Always select toothbrushes with small heads for children. This ensures they can comfortably reach all areas of their mouth, making their brushing routine more effective.

INTRODUCE FUN INCENTIVES for your child:

Consider implementing a rewards system, using sticker charts, or even creating a catchy song to motivate your child to brush their teeth.  There are even some YouTube cartoons which have “Tooth brushing” songs which are really fun! Try brushing their teeth along to the song. Making it a fun activity can transform it into a positive habit.

GET THE REST OF THE FAMILY INVOLVED:

If children see parents or siblings brushing their teeth they will most likely want to join in too. Try brushing your teeth all together as a family so they can see how normal it is.

UTILIZE A TOOTHBRUSH TIMER APP:

Make brushing time more exciting by downloading a Toothbrush Timer app. These apps often come with engaging visuals and sounds to keep children engaged throughout the two-minute brushing session.

CHALLENGE WITH AN EGG TIMER:

Add an element of competition by using a big egg timer. See who can keep brushing until the two-minute timer runs out. This not only makes brushing interactive but also helps in building consistency.

Encouraging your child to brush their teeth doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. By incorporating these tips and creative approaches, you can turn dental hygiene into an enjoyable routine that sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Read more to find out about Children’s Dentistry at Abbey Mead Dental & Implant Clinic.