Proper dental hygiene is important for people of all ages, especially if you want to have stronger teeth into your adult life. It can be difficult for busy children to want to brush their teeth in the morning or before bed. They may not understand the significance or may be preoccupied with play or imagination that they don’t want to stop. If your kids won’t brush their teeth consistently, some tricks can help encourage them.
Make Brushing Into A Game
Children learn best through play and imaginative games, so why not implement this approach when brushing their teeth? If your kids won’t brush their teeth, try making it into a game with different characters, fun expectations, and a little friendly competition. Depending on the age of the child, a little race or speed challenge can be an effective way to get them to brush their teeth. Some options include:
- Race to the bathroom/race to the toothbrush
- Who can get their teeth the cleanest
- Try to put the toothpaste on the brush with their eyes closed
- Hide and seek for the toothbrush and toothpaste
- Simon says (toothbrush and brushing instructions)
Provide Incentives
In addition to a game or challenge, providing kids with a fun incentive can make oral hygiene feel less like a chore. Incentives don’t have to be junk, snacks, or more toys; they can be an activity or playing their favorite song. For example, it is recommended that we brush our teeth for at least 2 minutes, so playing a child’s favorite song and encouraging them to dance along while brushing can make the task more fun. Other incentives like an extra bedtime story, a trip to the park the next day, or a new, fun character toothbrush can also be encouraging. If a child brushes their teeth without being pestered or putting up a fight, they can get a small reward, pushing them to associate the act with a positive activity.
Choose A Fun Flavored Toothpaste
Ditch the boring mint toothpaste for a fun flavor and tube design. While adult toothpaste is effective, a fun flavor like cotton candy, bubble gum, berry, or watermelon can be what gets kids excited about brushing their teeth. A fun-flavored toothpaste can also be used as an incentive for kids who won’t brush their teeth. Brushing consistently for a week could result in a new, fun flavor for them to use going forward. If a child is resisting brushing their teeth, incorporating a new flavored toothpaste could be the trick, especially because mint toothpastes can be extremely potent.
Let Them Brush Anywhere
While we commonly associate brushing with the bathroom, that doesn’t mean we always have to brush directly in front of the mirror. Allowing children to wander around while brushing or brushing in their bedroom can be just what they need to get the job done. While it may not be ideal if children like to spit their toothpaste everywhere, their teeth are still getting clean. Whether it’s in bed, next to the dog, or in the backyard, brushing is still the same.
When To Seek Professional Help
Kids are stubborn, many of them struggle to listen or follow instructions, but how can you know when to seek professional help if your child refuses to brush their teeth? If you have tried multiple methods of getting oral hygiene to be fun, without any luck, it is time to speak with your dentist. If children or adults don’t brush their teeth, plaque builds up, and food debris can lead to cavities and gum disease. Speaking with your pediatric dentist may be able to provide insight on how to get kids to brush their teeth or be able to perform more regular cleanings to keep your child’s teeth healthy. Your dentist may also be able to provide tools and toys that can help children who won’t brush their teeth.
Pediatric Care From Sunset Dental
Sunset Dental provides oral care for patients of all ages. No matter if you need a cleaning, dental procedure, or cosmetic service, we are here to help you achieve the best smile possible. Working with children, teens, and adults is rewarding for our staff. Seeing healthy teeth and happy smiles on all of our patients is our goal.
We know that visiting the dentist isn’t enjoyable for everyone, but we do our best to make our office comfortable and safe for all. Sunset Dental hires the most compassionate and qualified staff to help keep your mouth healthy and get you back to your daily life in no time. Feel free to come check out our office in person and schedule your next dental appointment with us.