Make Brushing Fun for Kids

We may never know why children avoid brushing teeth, but your child must know teeth brushing is not optional. Let your child know that it’s the right thing to do every morning and every night before going to bed. While at it, make sure you explain how good dental habits can benefit their lifestyle and health.

If you’re struggling to make your child brush, you are not alone. Many parents have the challenge of making brushing an enjoyable experience for their kids. Worry no more. We provide a few ideas on some fun ways to make teeth brushing enjoyable for both of you.

Teach your kid proper brushing techniques

When your children are too young, they are likely to insist on doing everything themselves. You can take this to your advantage by letting them brush their teeth when they are brushing. It develops her motor skills and confidence. Even if she spits toothpaste all over the place, it’s okay. This is all part of the learning process. Doing it at the same time as others will help them see that it’s something everyone else does. After you brush together, it’s necessary to brush the teeth again to ensure all areas are clean.

Help your child get involved

A great way to make your children feel invested in their oral health is to let them choose their stuff. Let them pick out their own toothbrush. Allow them to choose the colour, character, and design. Still, you want your child to pick one with a small brush head that can easily fit the little mouth. Also, let them choose their favourite toothpaste flavour and ensure it contains fluoride to support strong teeth.

Make time fly

Brushing takes just two minutes, but this can seem like forever for children. An easy way to make time fly is to play a favourite song and some dance rhythm for two minutes. Dance around the bathroom as you brush until the music stops. You could also use a tooth-brushing app that encourages your child to brush the two full minutes. Additionally, you can let them pick an electric toothbrush that produces entertaining lights and sounds.

Reward your child after brushing

What keeps your child motivated? If it’s reading, let him/her pick a bedtime story as long as they brush. If they like stickers, create a reward chart and let him/her add one after brushing. At times all you need is to ask them to smile after brushing and then saying “I’m so proud of you,” followed by a hug or high five. Once the kid gets used to it, you can reward consistency by making a weekly brushing calendar and offer a bigger reward if they brush twice daily for a week.

Bottom Line

There are so many ways to make brushing for young children more fun. Play music during brushing, let them pick their favourite brush and paste, brush together and reward consistent brushing. Try out these tips and let us know whether it works for you.