As an adult, you know the importance of good dental hygiene, but getting your toddler to brush their teeth may not be an easy task. Perhaps your child flees at the sight of a toothbrush or refuses to open their mouth when you attempt to clean their teeth. Or maybe your child is at their independent stage and wants to make their own choices.
If you have trouble getting your child to brush their teeth, you can use some methods to help your child change their mind. Here are five tips about getting your child to brush their teeth.
1. Let Your Child Learn by Example
Does your child fear the thought of toothbrushes and toothpaste? Try showing them that cleaning their teeth is not a scary experience. You can demonstrate how to apply toothpaste to your toothbrush and how to brush your own teeth. You can show your smile to your child after brushing so they can see how cleaning teeth leads to a better smile.
2. Let Your Child Practice
One way to convince your child to get into the habit of dental maintenance is by letting them practice. Some independent children like to have hands-on experience before they give something a try. Your child can practice brushing on their favorite doll or plastic figure. Make sure that your child does not use toothpaste on their toys.
Once your child is comfortable with their toys, help them practice brushing their teeth. Guide your child through the process if they require assistance. You can help your child apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the brush or monitor them to make sure they are not using too much toothpaste. Your child can also brush with water if they do not want to use toothpaste.
3. Let Your Child Have Fun
For some children, the idea of maintaining their smiles is a dull activity. If your child prefers play over taking care of their teeth, try to make the process fun for them. You can sing a song with your child while they brush their teeth or create a reward system for your child to help them get into the habit of cleaning their teeth. Turn the activity into a fun game or spin a funny story that educates your child about dental hygiene.
4. Let Your Child Pick a Special Toothbrush
Another method you can use for independent children is allowing them to pick their brush. Regular toothbrushes are excellent for manual practice, but electric toothbrushes make the process easier for children. Some toothbrushes have designs that resemble famous characters.
If there is a particular toothbrush that draws your child's attention, purchase that toothbrush for them. You can use the same method for toothpaste and floss. If there is a specific flavor of toothpaste or dental floss that your child likes, let them use that flavor when they brush their teeth.
5. Teach Your Child to Create a Routine
For your child to maintain good dental hygiene, they need to know the importance of brushing every day and night. You can create specific times in the morning and night for your child to clean their teeth. You can also have your independent child develop a routine of their own to help them form a daily habit of dental care.
If your child is having issues with brushing their teeth, using one or more of these five tips can help make the process easier. Remember to take your child to a dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to maintain their smile. Contact
Eastland Dental Center & Professional Dental Care to schedule a dental appointment for your child today!
