Motivating your children to brush their teeth every morning and every night can be a challenge. Some children are simply too young to understand the importance of brushing their teeth - so how do we motivate them to do it? Unfortunately, the threat of gum disease and cavities don’t seem to be an effective incentive for children to spend two minutes of their precious playtime brushing their teeth.
It’s important to remember that brushing their teeth twice a day is a fairly new concept for your child; while you’ve been doing it for as long as you can remember, they’re rather new to the process.
Be patient and follow our top tips below to motivate your children to brush their teeth.
Take them shopping for a new toothbrush
There are plenty of fun and flashy toothbrushes on the market to get your child excited about brushing their teeth. Take them shopping for a new toothbrush and give them the freedom to choose a special one they like - there are plenty of different colours, designs and themes to choose from. Buying a couple of different toothbrushes for them to choose from can also help make the brushing experience more appealing.
Try different flavoured toothpastes
Children have different tastes and it’s not uncommon for them to not like the taste of standard toothpaste. If you’re struggling to get your child to brush their teeth, give them the opportunity to try different flavoured toothpastes until they find one they like. There are lots of different flavours and types to try.
Children are much more likely to want to brush their teeth if they see their parents or older siblings doing it. Take the time each morning and evening to brush your teeth with your child, demonstrating the importance of doing so.
It’s no secret that children are far more likely to do something if there’s an appealing incentive. Set up a reward system to ensure your child receives a little treat for every week they brush their teeth every morning and every evening. The best way to do this is a sticker chart - simply put a star on the chart for every time your little one brushes their teeth. Once they’ve collected a certain number of stars, give them a small reward.
Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd is one of the leading dental surgeries in Swansea. Our practiced and professional team have a wide range of experience in both general and cosmetic dentistry and we can also offer dental solutions for sporting injuries. For more information about us and our services, visit our website.