Brushing our teeth is second nature to us, it’s a habit or ritual we developed early on. If you’re having trouble getting your little one to develop this ritual, read on, we have 3 tips to get them brushing with joy!
1. Start Brushing at an Early Age
If you want your children to learn how to properly brush their teeth, then it’s important that you begin teaching them at a young age. By starting early, your children will become comfortable with the concept of brushing on a regular basis. The idea is to work together with your children to develop a convenient routine.
Once you have a good routine established, you should thoroughly explain the importance of brushing. It’s important to teach kids about cavities, bad breath, and tooth decay. Children don’t want harmful germs in their mouths!
Throughout the entire process, you should remind your child that brushing will lead to a beautiful smile. If you start at an early age, then they’ll know no different and be more willing to brush.
2. Brush Along With Them and Make It Fun
Although it may be easier said than done, try to make brushing a fun experience. As we know, our children love to copy everything that we say and do. So, brush along with them!
You should grab your toothbrush and enjoy the brushing routine together. This is also a great approach to ensure that everyone is brushing their teeth for the correct amount of time. You might even consider making a game out of it.
It is a good idea to grab a timer and set it for 2 minutes. During those two minutes, as you brush along with them, compete to see who can make the most toothpaste bubbles. You might also consider having a smiling contest in the mirror after rinsing or enjoying other entertaining “brushing” games.
3. Let Them Pick Out Their Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Luckily, many brands of toothbrushes and toothpaste have products geared toward children. Regardless which brand is your favorite, there are sure to be pediatric products made by that same brand. It is a good idea to take your little ones to the store with you and allow them to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste.
With so many fun color patterns, flavors, and favorite characters on the labeling, it is often difficult to select just one. In fact, it can be helpful to have them pick out a couple of different toothbrushes or types of toothpaste, so they have the option of switching it up here and there.
You may also find that some flavors of toothpaste aren’t as enjoyable as many children anticipate when making decisions. This is another reason why it might be a good idea to have them select several different flavors. If the bubblegum flavor isn’t a hit, then pull out the berry-flavored one!
Spinning toothbrushes can be especially fun for children and they are effective at scrubbing those little teeth. There are even some brushes that play music or silly tunes before turning off at the 2 minute mark, signaling to your children that they’ve completed their brushing time.
If you’re looking for a friendly children’s dentist in Bulleen, give Bulleen Plaza Dental a call today!
