How do I get my children to brush their teeth more regularly: Fun and Effective Oral Hygiene Habits for Kids

How do I get my children to brush their teeth more regularly: Fun and Effective Oral Hygiene Habits for Kids

Teaching kids to brush their teeth isn’t always easy, however if we make brushing a fun activity, we can turn it into a habit that they look forward to! At Blossom Smiles Dental, we aim to introduce simple yet engaging steps that parents can use to help their children form good oral hygiene practices that’ll last a lifetime. Here are some tried and true tips to help your child develop great brushing habits while keeping it enjoyable.

Start The Process Early and Keep It Simple

From our conversations with our patients who have young children, we found out that starting the brushing process early is key to achieve the goal we set above! Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, you can begin by gently wiping their gums with a clean, damp cloth. When those tiny teeth start to pop through, transition to a soft-bristled, the softest you can find, small toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste. Keep the brushing sessions short at first to allow the children to get used to the routine and gradually increase as they grow.

Make It a Family Activity

Children learn by example, so make brushing a family affair. When we brush alongside our children, it not only creates an activity that forms a bond between parent and child, but it also shows them that this isn’t just “kid’s stuff”. If you have older children, let them join in the fun and demonstrate the process to you or their younger siblings. You can make it even more engaging by adding some lighthearted competition, such as “Who can brush in circles the longest?” This way you keep the activity going for s long as possible.

Use Kid-Friendly Tools

At Blossom Smiles Dental, our dental Hygiene specialists will provide your kids with a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or a fun, colorful design. The aim is to make brushing time something they look forward to. The toothbrushes will have small heads and soft bristles, especially designed for children, and they will also have some kid friendly tasting toothpaste, that is mild and doesn’t sting.

Electric toothbrushes can also be fun and effective, especially for older kids. Some come with timers. This aims at encouraging them while making it easy to brush for the recommended two minutes.

Turn Brushing into a Game

Kids love games and challenges, so why not turn brushing into an enjoyable game. Try setting a timer, and challenge your child to brush each section of their mouth until the timer goes off. Many smartphone apps can be utilized to set timers and play songs or give visual cues to make sure kids reach that coveted two minute goal.

Another fun approach is to use a toothbrushing chart. Every time they brush twice a day, let them add a sticker to their chart. Children love stickers and this allows them to engage and look forward to the activity of toothbrushing.

Try to Explain “Why?” in Kid’s Terms

Kids love stories, some parents would utilize that “toothbrushing time” to weave a story about the importance of brushing. They would create a fictional world  where “sugar bugs” like to hide on their teeth and that brushing “sweeps them away” and that is the first step to saving their teeth. Or the story could compare plaque to a superhero villain that can only be defeated with a toothbrush and toothpaste! When kids understand why they’re doing something, it feels more purposeful and exciting. This method is also great at creating a bond between parents and their children, so ever body wins!

Stick to a Consistent Routine

Children thrive on routine, and when brushing becomes a consistent part of their morning and bedtime rituals, it feels natural. To help create this habit, brush at the same times every day, like right after breakfast and just before bed. Encourage them to brush and rinse without any rush, and again let it be a calm, bonding moment for both of you.

Regularly Visit the Dentist

Not sound cliché, but routine visits to you Dentist in Burlington can play a crucial role in maintaining kids’ oral health. We advise all our expecting patients or patients with children to start taking their young ones to the dentist starting around age one, or as soon as their first tooth appears. When they see the dentist as a friendly figure, visits become less intimidating and more fun.

Final Thoughts

Making brushing a fun, positive experience is one of the best gifts you can give your child in our humble opinion. A healthy smile is about more than just teeth; it’s about confidence, health, and lifelong habits. With these tips, brushing can become something that kids don’t just “have to do”, but actually want to do!