The most important, and often difficult, part of dental care for children is making sure they brush their teeth well every day. For many kids, it feels like a chore, and they dread being told to go clean their teeth. However, as everyone knows, it's important for avoiding cavities and maintaining good oral health. If you struggle to get your kids to brush their teeth, keep reading to learn some tips and techniques to help motivate them to get brushing for dental care.

Ways to Motivate Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth

1. Set a Good Example

Kids will copy what they see you doing. Allow your children to see you brushing your teeth regularly starting when they are very little. They will pick up your habits, both good and bad. One way to show them good brushing techniques is to make tooth brushing a group activity. The whole family can brush their teeth together each morning and evening, and it won’t feel like such a chore. 

2. Make It a Game

Children are more likely to do difficult things when it feels like a game, so turn toothbrushing into one. Whether you buy a fun timer that they can watch count down the seconds as they brush, or you incorporate a reward system for brushing, you will see your kids stop resisting cleaning their teeth. Offer a star sticker for each time they brush their teeth, and when they reach five, they get to choose a reward, such as picking the movie for a family night.

3. Use a Song or Story

Allow your child to listen to a favorite song as they brush their teeth, or sing them a song as they brush. By the time the song is over, they are done brushing. Another common technique is to tell a story to your child while they brush. Use a puppet or stuffed animal to entertain them or tell them there are animals in their teeth that the toothbrush is after. 

If you are looking for a pediatric dentist for your kids, reach out to Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates in Avon, OH. This children’s dentist believes that dental care can be fun and wants their patients to have a great time when they visit the dentist. Whether you need a teeth cleaning, orthodontics, or tooth filling for your child, you can trust that they are in good hands with this team. Call (440) 934-0149 to make an appointment for your child, or visit them online to learn more about their services.