Two minutes is a long time for any youngster to stay focused on doing one thing, especially when it comes to something as potentially boring and dull as brushing your teeth. If you want your child to get into the habit of brushing their teeth, it helps if you find ways to make it more fun. So what are some things you can do?
Let Them Choose Their Toothbrush
Does your child have a favorite color or a favorite movie or tv show character? If so, you may find that they’re more excited to brush their teeth if they have a toothbrush that features their favorite color, character, or both. If you really want to take it to the next level, though, let them choose their own toothbrush. Show them how to find toothbrushes that are approved by the American Dental Association and have them pick one of those. Picking their own toothbrush will help them feel a sense of ownership over brushing their teeth.
Do It Together
You’ve probably noticed that your kids have a tendency to mimic you. It’s because they adore you and want to be like you. Use that to your advantage and make tooth brushing more of a family affair. By brushing your teeth together, you have a chance to show them how to brush their teeth properly. It’s also a good way to make sure they’re actually brushing their teeth for the full two minutes you’re supposed to be brushing for.
Let Them Have a Turn
Young kids don’t usually have the dexterity or patience to do a good enough job brushing their teeth. That’s why it’s generally recommended that parents help their kids brush their teeth until they’re around age seven. Just because you’re supposed to help them until that point doesn’t mean that they can’t have a turn though. Once you’ve made sure their teeth are nice and clean, hand the toothbrush over and let them practice brushing on their own.
As a parent, one of your responsibilities is to instill healthy habits into your children. Regularly brushing your teeth is just one such habit. Kids are more likely to embrace tooth brushing if it’s something they find enjoyable. Take advantage of what you know about your kid to find ways to make tooth brushing fun that will work well for them.
Part of getting a good tooth brushing in is using the right toothpaste. Learn more about the best types of toothpaste to use here: The Best Types of Toothpaste for Every Smile