Struggling to get your kids to brush their teeth? You’re not alone! Teaching kids good oral hygiene habits is so important, but committing to those 4 minutes a day can be a challenge. As pediatric dentists, we get it. So, we’ve assembled these tips for how to get kids to brush their teeth! Hopefully these ideas help inspire a long-lasting love of brushing.
1. Empower Kids with a Choice.
Something as simple as allowing kids to pick out their own toothbrush can get them excited about brushing! With so many options out there, it’s fun to choose a toothbrush with a favorite animal or character featured.
Allowing kids to pick out their toothpaste helps, too. If your child finds the mint flavor of toothpaste overpowering, consider investing in a “softer” flavor, like watermelon, strawberry, or bubble gum.
2. Set a Good Example.
Kids learn a lot by watching! When you show them how you brush your teeth, you’re setting a good example for years to come. Explain to them why it’s important to brush teeth all over, not just the teeth you see when you’re smiling. Together, you can make brushing teeth a nightly habit.
3. Take a Trip to the Library.
One of the best ways to get kids excited about caring about their teeth is to teach them about it! At Dakota Dental, we’ve compiled a list of books to help kids understand the importance of brushing. You can read through our list here. Have a title to add? Let us know.
4. Use The Power of Music!
Use a favorite song to inspire kids to brush their teeth! Brush DJ – a free app – offers tunes that are 2 minutes long so you have something fun to listen to while brushing. It’ll even remind you to brush a new quadrant of the mouth every 30 seconds to make sure you’re hitting every tooth.
5. Make It a Game.
Still not sure how to make brushing fun? Try incorporating a game!
Why not:
- Use a fun timer to ensure you’re hitting that 2 minute mark.
- Tell a story to keep kids engaged during brushing.
- Use Simon Says to teach good brushing habits.
- Dance around to the music you’ve just put on!
Try out any or all of these ideas as you create this morning and bedtime ritual. We’re excited to know which ones you find successful.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist?
Whether you’re looking for tips on how to get kids to brush their teeth or in search of a pediatric dentist, Dakota Dental can take care of you. We’ve been working with kids for years and love doing so! Check out our resources for kids and parents.
Have more questions about selecting a dentist for kids? Reach out. We’re here to answer your questions so that you and your child feel comfortable visiting the dentist!