Proper dental hygiene is a vital aspect of health for everyone, and it’s especially important that young children are taught to care for their teeth (and indeed their oral hygiene in general). However, many little ones struggle with brushing their teeth when they get started. That’s why we've put together this article on how to encourage your little ones to get into the habit.
Start them early. Brushing teeth is one of those things that will become ingrained as a habit over time – most adults now brush without even thinking about it. However, to get to that stage you’ll need to start them brushing as early as possible: this will ensure that they won’t remember a time when they weren't brushing. The earlier brushing begins, the more normal kids will find keep their teeth clean.
Be a role model. Kids never fail to look up to their parents, which is why it’s important for them to see you brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, not to mention taking regular check-up trips to the dentist. If they see it as something that’s important to you, they’re far more likely to consider it important to them as well. Remember: you’re a role model to them, so act like one!
Never underestimate the value of fun. As with getting a child to do almost anything, inventing a little game or song to go along with the experience is a renowned way of getting them to open up and make brushing something they’ll look forward to. The last thing you want is for them to see it as a chore.
Get a toothpaste that they like. Whilst we’re not suggesting your kids be given complete free reign in picking what they brush their teeth with (you’ll probably end up with chocolate spread and a toothpaste made from Haribo!) it’s important that you don’t try and force them on too strong toothpaste too early, as well as ensuring you get one that they don’t mind the flavor of. If they like mint anyway, then great, but otherwise there are normally plenty of fruit flavored toothpastes out there that will get the job done, many of which Kool Smiles would be happy to recommend.
Offer rewards. Your children should be rewarded for taking positive action, so give them some motivation such as a little treat for ensuring they brush daily: perhaps a nice meal at the end of the week, or letting them have an extra half hour on the Xbox before bed. Little rewards like this can go a long way towards making dental care an ingrained habit.
Use a fun toothbrush. For the younger kids, toothbrushes are available branded with the latest kids’ crazes, whether it be Ben 10 or One Direction. Using toothbrushes like these rather than the more generic, adult ones can help make brushing something to look forward to, at virtually no extra cost.
Always remember to ensure you give your little ones lots of encouragement and make them feel in control of what they’re doing. Just like riding a bike, the habit will go in and they’ll be independent before you know it.
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