Helping your child develop the healthy habit of brushing their teeth can be challenging. Boredom is one of the main reasons kids push back against brushing their teeth, so why not find a way to make the process fun?
Here are four tips to encourage your kids to brush their teeth.
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Sing a Song or Brush to the Beat
Singing a song is a great way for kids to beat boredom while they brush. Spend the two minutes humming or singing one of their favorite songs. Or you can stretch your creativity and play DJ while your child brushes! Choose any upbeat tunes they love and listen together while they brush. There are even music videos kids can watch while they brush!
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Tell a Story
Telling a story while they brush is another fun way to pass the time and help your child look forward to the process. Some ideas include:
- Create a story that makes them superheroes who brush away villains that cause cavities or save the world by defeating plaque.
- Rotate picture books you read only when they brush their teeth.
- Read two minutes of a chapter book or longer story during brushing time.
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Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Allowing your child to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste will make brushing time more fun. You can find kids’ products with their favorite characters, bright colors, flashing lights, and yummy flavors. These fun options help children associate dental hygiene with things they already love.
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Brush With Them
Your child looks up to you and learns from you, so this is the perfect way to establish a healthy and consistent routine. Take two minutes after breakfast or before bed to brush side-by-side. You can also use this opportunity to explain the details of proper brushing and flossing.
Learn More: Daily Dental Do’s – How to Keep You and Your Teeth Healthy
What is a proper brushing routine?
You’ll brush your children’s teeth for the first couple of years of their lives. Around age 3, it’s time to ease them into a more independent brushing routine until they can brush on their own at 7 or 8 years old.
Brushing your teeth with your children helps show them the proper techniques. Here are some important details to include:
- Brush for two minutes every morning and night.
- Gently brush in small circles with the bristles angled toward the gumline.
- Brush the tongue and roof of the mouth.
- Floss Floss Floss, before or after, it doesn’t matter just as long as you do it.
Learn More: Dental Hygiene – How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth
Atkins & Anderson Offers Dental Care to Bryan/College Station Residents
Regular dental visits are vital for you and your family. Atkins & Anderson DDS excels in giving people of all ages healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. Your comfort is the highest priority of our doctors and dental care teams. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
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