5 Secrets to Get Kids Brushing Teeth Well

Health

Tooth Decay, Most Common Chronic Kids Disease

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, which is exactly why February was deemed Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month.

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While many parents are aware that proper and frequent brushing is one of the most important steps in protecting their tot’s pearly whites, getting kids into the bathroom to brush – without kicking and screaming – is often still a challenge.

5 Tips to Get Children Brushing Better & More Often

1.  Pick the perfect toothbrush. Take your little one shopping to select a special toothbrush. Favorite animated characters, spinning heads and flashing lights are just some of the enticing possibilities that may pique their interest. Letting them choose will boost their “big kid” confidence and make them more vested in brushing.

2.  Offer toothpaste that tastes like a treat. Appeal to small senses with a healthy toothpaste that tastes extra special. But beware bells and whistles created with harmful chemicals, such as artificial colors and sweeteners, which may entice but can also come with serious health concerns.

3.   Bring fun into the bathroom. Brushing should be taken seriously, but it doesn’t have to be serious. Encourage kids to make big, circular brush strokes like train wheels; pretend they need to clean their “big dinosaur teeth”; or watch a fun video while they brush. When brushing is playful, there’s less pressure.

4.  Find a kid-friendly dentist. Make first trips to the dentist fun by choosing a provider who caters to children with music, puppets, toys and more. If the experience is positive, they’ll be more prone to want to impress the dentist (and possibly get a special treat) with their good at-home brushing habits.

5.  Set a good example. Show your kids that brushing is an easy, everyday routine by modeling frequent and scheduled brushings, such as right after breakfast, before bed or following a sweet treat. It can even be a family affair! When little ones see brushing as a simple daily habit instead of a chore, there will be less protest.

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