Establishing good oral hygiene habits from a young age teaches kids the importance of keeping their teeth strong and healthy. Daily brushing will help protect them from cavities and tooth decay, but since it’s not the most exciting activity, they may not always stick to the routine. Here are a few ways you can make brushing fun for your child.

How to Encourage Kids to Brush Their Teeth

1. Brush Together

Children tend to pick up habits from their parents, so be a good influence and show them that consistent brushing is a must. Make brushing in the morning and before bed a family activity. As a group, brushing seems more fun. Plus, when it becomes an established part of their routine, your child will be less likely to forget or skip it.

2. Let Your Child Pick Their Tools

Next time you need to buy toothbrushes and toothpaste from the store, allow your child to choose their own. Many children’s toothbrushes feature designs of popular cartoon characters, animals, and superheroes. They can even decide between different flavors of toothpaste. When kids are able to select their own oral hygiene tools, they’ll be much more excited about using them.

3. Use Kid-Friendly Media

Children’s books are a great way to teach kids about difficult or complicated topics in a way they’ll understand. There are plenty of books out there about brushing your teeth, which you can search for online, at bookstores, or at your local library. You can even find fun and educational videos on YouTube® about the importance of brushing.

4. Play Their Favorite Music

Brushing your teeth for two minutes can seem boring even to adults, so you can imagine how your little one feels. To pass the time, play clips of their favorite songs during brushing sessions, or set a timer and sing a song as they brush. You can even get musical toothbrushes that play songs for exactly two minutes with the push of a button.

5. Make Sure They’re Comfortable

Some kids may avoid brushing their teeth if the experience is uncomfortable. If your child struggles to get through their oral hygiene routine, make adjustments to ease the process. For example, if the feeling of cold water is a bit of a shock, wet their toothbrush with warm water. Switching to a fruity, bubblegum, or unflavored toothpaste is an easy fix for kids who don’t like the taste of mint.
 

When your child needs help keeping their teeth strong and healthy, turn to Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska LLC in Wisconsin. Serving families throughout the Tri-State area, this children’s dentist aims to educate young patients on good oral hygiene habits from a young age. Their staff goes above and beyond to create a comfortable environment as your little one receives all the dental care they need, whether it’s teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, or dental crowns. Learn more about their services online and call (608) 781-9114 to schedule an appointment.