Kids sure grow up fast, don’t they? There is a whole wide world to explore….and we are willing wager that brushing their teeth is not at the top of most children’s list.
But with these tips, you can help create an environment where brushing teeth is fun for your child…or at least, not something they fight you on!
Let them choose their own toothbrush
Anything feels more special when you choose it yourself, right? And with so many colors and characters to choose from, it is easy for your child to find just the right toothbrush for them. And every 3-4 months, you and your child can go on a special trip to choose a new one!
Just make sure that whether the toothbrush is blue, pink or polka dot, it has soft bristles, the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Play fun music
Encourage your children to brush their teeth for the full recommended time by playing a two-minute-long, kid-friendly song. There plenty of songs that encourage tooth-brushing, so take a peek on YouTube and see what is out there!
Of course, you can always just play songs your kids already love. (Heck, we will even say “Baby Shark” is acceptable if you’re not already sick of it.) The key is to play the tune for a full two minutes to ensure your little ones spend enough time cleaning each tooth.
Use funky toothpaste flavors
Toothpaste has come a long way from the standard mint flavor. Just take a walk down the oral health aisle at the drug store and you’ll find a wide variety of flavors! And what kid wouldn’t want to brush with cupcake-flavored toothpaste?
Just make sure you read the label first. You will want to make sure it contains fluoride and consider any other oral health needs your child has. If they have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, their dentist will be able to provide recommendations on which ingredients to look for.
Don’t make it a contest
If you have more than one child, be cautious about turning teeth brushing into a competition between siblings. If they try and race to finish line, they may not brush their teeth properly, cause bleeding gums from brushing too hard, or, if a child is constantly on the “losing” side of things, they may be less encouraged to brush.
So instead of making it a contest, offer praise for proper technique and keeping good habits.
The bottom line: When it comes to creating good oral health habits, making teeth brushing fun in childhood is the first step toward a lifelong healthy smile.
This article has been updated from its original published date of February 4, 2016.