Posted on May 13, 2021
Getting your kids to brush their teeth properly can be an uphill battle, especially during the bedtime routine. But thankfully, some tips can make brushing teeth easier and more enjoyable for your child – and you! Here are three of them.
1. Choose Kid-Friendly Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Some people don’t realize that adult toothpaste isn’t ideal for young children simply because the taste isn’t appealing. Kids complain of typical minty adult toothpaste as tasting “spicy” or “sour” and react with funny faces and flat-out refusals to brush their teeth. If this sounds like your kid’s experience, consider buying a few different toothpaste flavours, such as strawberry, bubble gum, and watermelon.
The same goes for buying children’s toothbrushes. Pediatric toothbrushes are colourful, have grip sections, and often display recognizable characters that appeal to kids. Although these toothbrushes are typically priced higher than regular toothbrushes, they may be worth the investment to peak your child’s interest in brushing.
When kids can play an active role in their toothpaste and toothbrush purchase, they feel empowered and more likely to develop their oral care routine. Take them to the store with you and have them choose their own!
2. Avoid Firm Bristles and Purchase Soft Children’s Toothbrushes
Another way to make brushing teeth an easier task is by purchasing toothbrushes that are soft or extra-soft. The firm bristles on some toothbrushes may be a deterrent for some kids as their jaws are growing, they have sensitive gums, and they have new teeth coming in.
Making the teeth-brushing process as pain-free and easy as possible will help kids feel more at ease when brushing their teeth.
3. Find a Way to Make Brushing Teeth Fun
Kids love to play games and often love playing something that bonds them to their parents. Making teeth-brushing a fun thing to do can be challenging, but there are some ideas we recommend to help your child’s oral care routine run more smoothly. They include:
Have them brush their teeth before getting in the tub or changing into their pyjamas, so they don’t associate brushing their teeth with going to bed.
- Sit on a footstool or the floor and play games with them like “Simon Says” or “Copycat” to make brushing teeth more fun.
- Make a sticker chart with the days of the week and hang it beside the sink. Every time they brush their teeth twice a day, they can add a sticker to the chart.
- Turn on their favourite song or podcast to listen to while brushing and doing their bathroom routines.
It isn’t always easy (or fun) getting kids to practice good oral hygiene, but with a bit of creativity (and some patience!), you’ll soon have your child on track to brushing correctly in no time.
Contact us at Creekview Dental if you have questions about your child’s teeth or need to schedule their next visit.