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Throughout life, consistent tooth brushing and flossing are among the most essential parts of your child’s preventive dentistry routine. You create permanent habits by starting this routine as soon as your child gets their first tooth.
One of the easiest ways to keep your child brushing and flossing their teeth is to get them to look forward to this part of their day. Follow these suggestions from Staci Brunell, DMD, and Priyanka Patel, DMD, our pediatric dental team at Yorktown Pediatric Dentistry in Yorktown Heights, New York, to get your kids excited about brushing their teeth.
Brushing your teeth doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools and routine in place, tooth brushing can be a fun and engaging part of your child’s day. Use these techniques to make tooth brushing something your child looks forward to.
Your child can get a toothbrush in almost every color, favorite character, or other design. The American Dental Association approves many toothpastes in different flavors and colors.
Take your child to the store with you. Have them pick a toothbrush and toothpaste that they like and are excited to use every day.
Children love playtime, and making toothbrushing time like play makes it something to look forward to. You can get them involved while also ensuring they brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes by downloading a song on a website or app designed to be played while your child brushes their teeth. Your child can dance and hum along while brushing.
You can also get your child’s toy involved in toothbrushing. Have your child brush the teeth of their doll or stuffed animal while they brush their teeth.
If your child loves stories and pretend play, you can also invent games and situations for toothbrushing. Pretend your child is chasing a dirty animal out of their mouth or that they need to brush their teeth to rescue a character. Get creative with props and music!
You can make brushing your teeth a fun group activity by getting out your toothbrush and having the whole family brush their teeth together. Not only can toothbrushing be a communal family activity, but you’re also setting a good example by showing that you brush your teeth, too.
Along with brushing your own teeth, you can surround your child with examples of their peers’ toothbrushing routine. Regularly expose your child to media like books and movies about other children brushing their teeth or show other children brushing.
Remember to reward your child’s hard work when they brush regularly and well. Praise your child and offer them rewards like staying up slightly later or getting an extra nice gift from the tooth fairy when they lose a tooth.
If your child is reluctant to brush their teeth, we can help them get and stay on track. Contact us for assistance in helping your child brush regularly and effectively.
