When you have a child, the most important thing is to ensure they are healthy. Teaching them to have great oral hygiene is part of that. Tooth decay is among the main reasons for missing teeth; thus, teaching your child to brush their teeth correctly is essential.
However, getting kids excited about brushing their teeth can be challenging! So, let’s make toothbrushing fun with your kids.
Simple tips to make tooth brushing fun:
Sing a song or play a game
While brushing, you can sing a song or play a game with your child. The latter may seem the better option, but even if your kid isn’t able to play games on their own, that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy having one played with them. You’ll probably find that singing and playing games are effective ways of making toothbrushing time pleasant and fun for both parties involved, especially if you’re making up lyrics!
Let your kids pick their toothbrushes
Let them pick out their toothbrushes to trigger that interest in brushing their teeth. The toothbrush should be an appropriate size for their hand and mouth. It should also be easy for them to hold comfortably—some people prefer a handle that curves up towards their thumb, while others like a straight handle (or even one with multiple handles).
The toothbrush’s bristles should be soft enough not to hurt your child’s gums or damage their teeth as they brush.
Don’t forget to floss!
Flossing is an essential step of oral hygiene that should be included in your child’s daily routine (with parental supervision). It removes plaque build-up from hard-to-reach areas between teeth, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Give your child a healthy treat after brushing
It’s essential to make sure that your child brushes for the entire 2 minutes. Consider offering a healthy treat after brushing to keep them motivated. However, make sure it is not a choking hazard or contains too much sugar.
Be a good role model
Kids love to mimic their parent’s behaviour, so setting a good example will help them develop good oral health habits. Brush your teeth twice a day, if not after every meal, and floss regularly too! With practice, your child will quickly master these skills.
Keep it short and sweet
Don’t make toothbrushing time too long, as this will only encourage your child to lose interest in the process. Two minutes is sufficient time to brush their teeth properly.
Final thoughts!
There are many ways to make toothbrushing fun for kids, but you should never force your child to brush their teeth if they are uncomfortable doing so. The best way is by leading by example and showing them how much fun it can be!
If you have any concerns about your child’s oral hygiene, then ensure you make a trip to the dentist.
We hope this article has given some great ideas for making tooth brushing with kids an enjoyable experience.