In many households, it’s a struggle to get kids to brush their teeth. It should not be considered an optional activity though, so what can parents do to make the process easier? Consider these tips for success.
Set goals
Even though every parent’s goal is probably to have your child brush after every meal, this may not be a realistic expectation. It can be difficult with busy schedules, or it may be that your child runs the other direction at the mention of brushing. So set achievable goals and try to stick to them. At minimum, this should be brushing at least once a day.
Decide the time
If brushing once a day is your goal, the best time is after dinner or when getting ready for bed. This time of day is ideal so that the teeth and gums are protected during sleep, a time that saliva is absent in the mouth and bacteria can thrive. Also, brushing at bedtime creates a consistent routine. If your child is able to brush more than once a day, consider after breakfast as the next best choice.
Create a routine
Making dental hygiene a part of your daily routine can help your child become accustomed to the process and more likely to participate. It may be helpful to implement reading a bedtime story after brushing, so that story time doesn’t happen without brushing first.
Choose tools wisely
There is a huge variety of toothbrushes and pastes available with kids in mind. Since most toothbrushes achieve the same goals, allow your child to make the choice. From favorite characters to colors to animals, kids will usually find one that catches their eye. As long as the toothpaste is approved by the American Dental Association and contains fluoride, allow your child to select the flavor or color.
Consider rewards
Entice your child by offering the choice of a toy or book after brushing has been successfully completed. This positively reinforcement may increase your child’s willingness to brush again next time.
