Happy and Healthy: 3 Tips to Help Kids Brush Their Teeth

If you have a young child at home, part of your job as their guardian is to teach them the skills they need to take care of themselves as they grow. However, many parents struggle to get their kids to brush and floss their teeth, despite their best efforts. Keeping their mouths clean is the best way to prevent potential problems like cavities and gum disease, but what do you do if they don’t want to participate?

There are any number of reasons that your child might resist their daily dental hygiene routine, whether it’s because they think of it as a chore or if they simply don’t enjoy the taste of their toothpaste. Continue reading to learn about three helpful hints that can help them improve their dental health!

Toothy Tip #1: Establish Consistency

Did you know that predictability and structure can increase your child’s cooperation when it comes to participating in different activities? For instance, starting tasks at the same time every day creates a routine that they start to rely on. They’re more likely to feel confident and comfortable engaging when they understand what to expect.

That means it might help your kid clean their teeth consistently if you begin their dental regimen at a scheduled time every morning and evening. It can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of control, making them more likely to comply with the task at hand. If you also struggle to remember when to get started, try setting an alarm or reminder on your phone that repeats daily.

Toothy Tip #2: Get a New Toothbrush

Toothbrushes aren’t intended to last forever. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends replacing them every 3 to 4 months because they gather bacteria, and the bristles eventually fray or wear down.

If your kid groans when it’s time to scrub their pearly whites, it might help to have them pick out a new toothbrush. Thankfully, most stores and pharmacies carry a variety of options, so it’s easy to find something they’ll enjoy.

For example, there are plenty of soft-bristled brushes or ones that are electric, and include a timer to let your little one know when they can stop brushing. They also come in various shapes and sizes and feature different colors or characters to introduce joy into their dental hygiene routine.

Toothy Tip #3: Play a Game

What better way to get your child to participate in something they don’t want to than by turning it into a game? You can tell a story that involves brushing their teeth to save the day, like that each tooth is a car that needs to be cleaned.

There are also apps and virtual games that have been developed to encourage kids to practice positive oral health habits. One popular option is the Disney Magic Timer App by Oral B, which features your little one’s favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters on a timer while they brush.

Now that you have a few ideas to try, you can start testing them out to see what works best for your family!

About the Practice

Patients at Dr. Maggie Davis & Associates benefit from a team of board-certified pediatric dentists dedicated to aiding and improving still-developing smiles. Whether your kid needs a routine checkup or has developed a toothache, they can help! They offer a full array of services and take the time to get to know your child’s unique needs so they can devise personalized treatment plans to meet them. Their family-friendly environment is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results. If your child needs a professional cleaning, you can request an appointment on the website or call (727) 786-7551.