How to Get Your Child to Brush Their Teeth
There is nothing so frustrating as the end of the day struggle with the nighttime routine. But there are easy ways in how to get your child to brush their teeth – no bribes needed!
Be sure to check out even more of my helpful parenting tips, too!
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How to Get Your Child to Brush Their Teeth
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. So let’s talk about good oral hygeine.
Here are 8 great ideas on how you can get your child to brush their teeth
Let your kids pick out the supplies
There are lots of fun character toothbrushes and toothpastes on the market.
Get a toothbrush or toothpaste with their favorite character on it.
Or better yet purchase one of those toothbrushes that light up or play music.
These toothbrushes are fun and usually have a timer on them to let the kids know how long to brush.
Colgate hum Smart Manual Kids ToothbrushBrush Buddies 6-Pack Hot Wheels Toothbrush for KidsLingito Kids Toothbrush Extra Soft, Easy Grip for Toddlers ToothbrushesColgate Magik Smart Toothbrush for Kids – Kids Toothbrush Timer
Escort your kids to the store, and have them pick out their favorite.
They’ll be much more willing to brush their teeth if they’re excited about their toothbrush and toothpaste.
Use an Egg Timer.
Grab the egg timer out of the kitchen and set it for two minutes.
Then have your kids brush until it dings.
This makes it more of a game and also gives them a goal.
Secura 60-Minute Visual Countdown TimerSecura 60-Minute Visual TimerMSC International Joie Rooster Mechanical TimerKikkerland Penguin Kitchen Timer
Switch to an electric toothbrush.
Switch to an electric toothbrush.
A manual toothbrush isn’t as effective or as fun as an electric toothbrush, especially when kids are involved.
CoComelon x BURSTkids Kids Electric Toothbrush Bundle with 4 Replacement HeadsKids Toothbrush + 4 Toothbrush Heads Bundle from BURSTkidsKids U Shaped Electric Toothbrush with 4 Brush HeadsPhilips Sonicare for Kids 3+ Bluetooth Connected Rechargeable Electric Power Toothbrush
Have them brush your teeth first.
Laugh and make faces or act playfully as they brush your teeth so they see it as an enjoyable activity, then encourage them to brush their own teeth as you watch.
One method that is fun and effective is allowing your children to brush your teeth.
You should laugh a lot and make it a fun activity.
Then allow them to “brush” their own teeth.
Finish by brushing your child’s teeth.
You may want to include older siblings in the activity.
Give them some control
Children do better knowing they have some control over what happens to them.
I know I do!
Have your child brush their favorite doll’s teeth before you brush theirs.
Remember always allow them to “brush” their own teeth.
Then follow up by brushing their teeth correctly.
Make it a family affair.
Brush your teeth alongside your kids and they’re likely to mimic your tooth-brushing habits.
Stick to a schedule.
Stick to a schedule.
Kids like routine, so set regular tooth brushing times and stick to them.
Before long, it’ll just become a part of their day.
Read about Brushing Their Teeth
Reading books about why your child should brush their teeth can make it fun to learn about toothbrushing.
And it’s another excuse to cuddle up at night!
More Dental Health Activities
Designed to make oral care fun and educational, these activities aim to instill good dental habits from a young age. These activities make learning about dental health an enjoyable experience for children.
- Dentist Office Dramatic Play
- Dental Health Activities for Preschoolers
- Dental Health Songs and Activities
- Dental Health Writing Prompts
So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking to make oral hygiene an exciting adventure, these activities are the perfect tools to foster a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles. Let the dental wellness exploration commence!