Ask other parents and they’ll tell you, one of the most challenging parts of parenting a baby or toddler is teaching them to properly brush their teeth. So, no, it’s not just you who struggles as you try different tricks to get your little one to brush their teeth. And, no, you can’t give up. Brushing is a big part of your child’s hygiene routine, and skipping it can have consequences.

Proper dental hygiene should be established as early as possible as their habits during their childhood will dictate their oral health in the future. To help you with the difficult task of making tooth brushing fun for your child, your trusted pediatric dentist from Edmonton shares some tips:

1. Show them how fun it is. 

Kids love imitating what adults do, so it’s highly likely that when your little one sees you having fun brushing your teeth, they will do it, too! So, take some time in the morning and evening to have your child wash you as you do your hygiene routine. Show your kid how one should properly brush their teeth and how to floss. You could even make use of a timer to show how long you should brush your teeth. Do this for a few days and then encourage your child to brush their teeth with you.

2. Add more fun elements to the routine.

If your child feels like brushing their teeth is a chore, it is up to you to convince them otherwise. Play some “brush along” music, get them a musical toothbrush, or play a game of who can brush their teeth the longest. This is a great idea if your child wouldn’t brush for longer than a few seconds! 

You might also want to include their favorite toys and have them brush their teeth, too! Kids enjoy playing pretend and it’s actually an effective way for them to learn life skills and yes, hygiene routines.

3. Identify where they’re struggling and address those issues.

There may be a reason why your child doesn’t like brushing their teeth. You need to pay attention and try to figure out what may be causing their aversion to brushing. For one, it’s possible that they have sensitive teeth and because you’re using cold water, it hurts when they brush and gargle. Try using lukewarm water and see if anything changes. 

It may also be due to the toothpaste or toothbrush they’re using. Some kids have sensory issues and they may be sensitive to the hard bristles of their toothbrushes. Make sure you get them a soft-bristled one or perhaps try an electric toothbrush which may excite them more. As for the toothpaste, kids, in general, prefer those with a fruity or just lightly minty flavor. You could ask your child’s dentist for recommendations because they know better which ones have the right amount of fluoride.

4. Let them do it on their own.

Perhaps the problem is that they get fuzzy when you insist on doing it for them. Why not let them do it on their own, at least at first so they’ll feel like they have control over the whole thing. Just be sure to watch them while they’re brushing so they won’t get hurt and so you can see which areas they miss. When they’re done, ask if you can do it for them and as much as possible mimic the way they do it so they’ll be comfortable.

Conclusion

It might take a while before your child gets comfortable brushing their teeth, but as they say, you need to do things consistently for it to become a habit. It’s the same for kids brushing their teeth. Don’t give up until your child develops a good oral hygiene routine as this will be the key to their oral health that could help them avoid a dental emergency in the future. 

Do what you can to make brushing a fun experience for them so they will start looking forward to it. Hopefully, the tips above will help make the task easier for both you and your child.

Edmonton Smiles is where you should take your child if you are in need of a pediatric dentist in Edmonton who can provide your little one with preventive dental care, emergency services, and more.  Contact us to know about our services or to book an appointment!

Posted in Dental News & Advice