The struggle is real.

We know that getting kids to do anything, let alone continuously and properly, can be a struggle. At Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we know how helpless parents can feel when their children don’t want to brush their teeth. It can be frustrating as a parent because you understand how important it is to keep up with a proper oral health routine. Dental care may not be on your child’s mind, but there are things you can do to help encourage your child to keep up with brushing their teeth at least twice a day.

Set a timer.

We know that proper toothbrushing should take a minimum of two minutes each time. While toothbrushing shouldn’t be a race because we want to ensure all teeth are brushed fully, using a timer could be an effective way to make sure each section of their mouth is properly brushed. 

Divide your child’s mouth into four quadrants, and set a timer for 30 seconds. Each quadrant of the mouth should take a minimum of 30 seconds to brush. Make sure your child thoroughly brushes each section of their mouth, and make sure they don’t move on to the next until after the 30 seconds are done. Once the time is up, praise your child for completing the task and have them move on to the next quest: Brushing the next quadrant of their mouth.

Make it fun.

Most children enjoy activities that involve a game. Why not make tooth brushing a fun activity for them? 

Try playing a game while they are brushing their teeth. See who can pull the funniest faces or can do the silliest dance. A game of Simon Says could engage your child with directions like “Simon says brush your front teeth.”

Your child may also benefit from a special toothbrushing song. While they are brushing, have a fun song playing in the background. There are many choices out there, and some are even about toothbrushing. 

Parenting tip: If the song is longer than two minutes, encourage your child to keep brushing until the song is over. This way, you can ensure that your child is brushing their teeth for the necessary amount of time.

Give your child a choice.

Many children want to be able to make their own choices. Toothbrushing time can be one of those areas where your child can have choices. Give your child the option to pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Look for the ADA seal, which is a recommendation from the American Dental Association.

Take your child shopping and let them choose two different children’s toothbrushes—maybe one is their favorite color and another has their favorite character on it. Also let them pick out two different toothpaste flavors. Each time your child brushes their teeth, they have the choice of which toothbrush to use and which toothpaste flavor to have. Allowing them to have the choice of what to use can help encourage good dental habits, and they may even be more excited to brush their teeth knowing they chose their own toothbrush and toothpaste.

Another choice you can give your child when it comes to their oral health routine is when they would like to brush their teeth. Do they want to wake up, get dressed, then brush their teeth? Or would they like to do their oral health routine first? Same with at bedtime. Do they want to read a bedtime story first, then brush their teeth? Giving your child more autonomy can help them feel more involved in their dental care, and they might be more excited to be involved in brushing their teeth.

Try positive reinforcement.

Sometimes, all your child is looking for is a little positive reinforcement. Make sure to praise them for brushing their teeth, and explain the benefits of a consistent dental hygiene routine. Let them know that brushing their teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time helps make their teeth strong and healthy. As they reach the age when they should start flossing, explain the importance of making sure in between their teeth are cleaned, too. 

If it helps, brush and floss your teeth together with your child. Show them how important it is to keep up with their dental hygiene routine, and even make it a time to bond with the family. The family that brushes together  bonds together.

Visit Dr. Mo twice a year.

Another important part of a healthy dental routine is visiting Dr. Mo at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry at least twice a year. During these biannual dental evaluations, Dr. Mo will make sure your child’s mouth is in good health, and that their teeth are coming in properly. Dr. Mo also practices pediatric orthodontics, so if your child’s bite is off, she can recommend options for improvement. If you haven’t seen Dr. Mo yet this year, schedule your appointment today!