How to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

We know that our patients’ parents work very hard to keep their kids happy and healthy. Parenting is a full-time job that requires superhero powers, like getting your kids to eat their veggies and eventually take care of themselves. As pediatric dentists in Aurora, we are here to support our patient’s oral healthcare. In order to help you and your family maintain a great oral hygiene routine at home, we have put together a few tried and true tips and tricks to help you encourage your child to brush their teeth!

Do it Together!

Ever heard the phrase “do as I say, not as I do?” If you have, you probably know that it doesn’t work for kids! Children are far more likely to repeat what they see than do as they’re told. After all, they look up to adults! If your child isn’t crazy about brushing their teeth, try doing it alongside them! Seeing their parent stick to an oral hygiene routine will encourage your child to want to brush and floss so they can be just like you!

Talk at the Table

When you’re feeding your child tooth-healthy foods, tell them about it! If your child learns that the carrots they eat help their eyes stay strong, and their milk helps their teeth and bones stay healthy, they’ll probably remember that. This information may even help them make healthy choices as they get older!

A Rewards System

If your child responds well to positive reinforcement, try a small rewards system to help them stay on track with their oral care! Make a calendar they can hang on the wall, and give them a sticker or a star for every day they demonstrate good brushing behavior! After a your child’s first visit at our pediatric dentistry office, we always give our patients encouragement throughout their appointment and a big high five at the end. 

The Right Toothbrush

If your child isn’t very enthusiastic about brushing their teeth, try appealing to their interests. When it’s time to get them a new toothbrush, choose one that features their favorite character or their favorite colors. Some toothbrushes even play music to help them learn how long they should be brushing for. These features might help them look forward to brushing their teeth more!

Flavored Toothpaste

If your child doesn’t like the minty taste of toothpaste yet, consider trying a different flavor! Most grocery stores carry several different kid-friendly options, like strawberry! Many brands offer flavored, kid-friendly toothpastes with all-natural ingredients that are safe to swallow. If you need some suggestions, ask your child’s Pediatric Dentist in Roswell.

Take Them to the Pediatric Dentist!

Be sure to take your child to the pediatric dentist at least twice a year for their cleanings and checkups. The earlier they start coming to our office, the more comfortable they will be. Regularly scheduled pediatric dental appointments will help your child feel more accountable for their own oral health. You can remind them that they’ll need to keep their teeth clean to impress us at their next appointment!

We hope some of these tips help you and your child stay on top of their oral healthcare at home and make your life run a little smoother! If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask us. Call our office today to make an appointment!