How to Teach Children to Brush Their Teeth

As kids grow older, they become responsible for taking care of their bodies—and smiles! However, many parents are familiar with the pickiness associated with when and how their children want to express their independence. The following tips can help with teaching a child to keep up with daily tooth brushing.

Make It Entertaining

If they feel like they're being nagged, children will consider brushing their teeth a chore—especially since it's associated with their least favorite activities: going to school and bedtime. Creating a game out of a tooth brushing routine will take the hassle out of the process and can even offer an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family while avoiding cavities. Cranking up some music (try finding a song that is over two minutes) instead of setting a timer will help with ensuring that the teeth are being thoroughly cleaned without feeling the need to closely supervise. As a bonus, playing music will make the time fly by.

Shop Together

Taking children along for the ride to buy their toothbrush will make them feel like their choice is important and will encourage them to start brushing without assistance. Let them pick out their toothbrush, but try to find a selection that includes their favorite colors and characters to keep them excited about going home to brush their teeth after dinner.

Stick to a Routine

Try to make toothbrush time a natural part of the day. When there's a lapse in the normal schedule, like a vacation, the normal routine can get off track. No matter what, be sure to make time to brush teeth as a family before everyone goes to bed and before or after breakfast in the morning. The more normal it feels, the more likely children are going to be used to brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, which will help them keep their smiles healthy on their own in between regular cleanings.

Keeping a healthy smile is easy with Storts Family Dentistry. Whether you're a new patient seeking a trusted dentist or you need emergency dental services, rest assured that you and your family will be accommodated by experienced dental professionals. Schedule an appointment at one of our three locations in Oklahoma for complete oral care.