Quick Summary
Children are more likely to brush their teeth consistently when they understand why it matters, participate in choosing their own supplies, and experience it as fun rather than a chore. Start brushing once teeth emerge using a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, and begin flossing when two teeth touch. Strategies like storytelling about plaque monsters, sticker charts with prizes, and two-minute timer apps can transform brushing into an enjoyable daily habit.
Key Takeaways
- You can start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they emerge, using only a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste twice daily until age three.
- Ask your dentist to demonstrate proper brushing technique and confirm when your child is ready to brush independently without supervision.
- Let your child choose their own toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, and give them small tasks like pressing the two-minute timer to build ownership of the routine.
- Use a sticker chart where your child earns a sticker for each complaint-free brushing session and receives a prize when the chart is full to reinforce the habit.
ANY PARENT KNOWS that getting your child to do certain things like eat their veggies, clean their room and even brush their teeth can be difficult. But the reality is that tooth decay is the number one disease affecting young children today.
To combat this, kids need to learn and love to brush their teeth early on in their lives. Our goal is to help your children maintain bright, healthy smiles and help them learn early the importance of good oral hygiene.
Let’s Catch Up On Some Of The Basics of Brushing
Once teeth emerge, you can start brushing them. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and only a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice). When two teeth begin to touch, it is time to start flossing!
From the ages of three to six, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Remind children not to swallow the toothpaste. Continue to help your child brush their teeth until you feel that they can correctly do so on their own.
Our Top Tips On Teaching Your Kids Good Oral Hygiene
It may not be easy, but it will definitely be worth it to teach your kids the value of taking care of their teeth. Here are some things you can do to help them understand just how important a task is, and even how fun it can be!
Teach Them Why
When kids understand the reason behind something, they are more inclined to do it. You can even make it more interesting by spinning it into a fun story and giving the bacteria in their mouths a name, like the plaque monsters or tooth bugs!
Let Them Participate
Allowing your child to pick out their toothbrush, toothpaste and floss is a great way for them to participate. If you use a timer to help them brush their teeth for the full two minutes, let them press the button. Find ways to get them involved!
Use Positive Reinforcement
Parents know better than anyone what kids will do for prizes. One idea is to use a sticker chart. Every time they brush their teeth well, without complaining, they get to put a sticker on the chart. When the chart is full, they get a prize!
Make It Fun
Whether you turn on their favorite two-minute song or have them brush their stuffed animal’s teeth first, making it fun is key to helping your child love brushing time. There are also many smartphone apps out there dedicated to making oral-hygiene more fun! Check out the app store for an app that can be used on an iPad to help your child brush for two minutes. Plus it can make it super fun.
You can even show them this fun video to help encourage them to brush their teeth!
We Are Proud Partners Of Parents
Although getting your child to love brushing and flossing their teeth is difficult at times, remember that we are your allies in helping ensure their lifelong oral and overall health. If your child is still struggling with brushing and flossing, let us know, we are here to help. Dr. Mark McOmie can draw from almost 2 decades of experience to help you, help your child.
Have any other suggestions that have worked for you and your child? Tell us in the comments below!
