Tips For Teaching Kids To Brush Their Teeth

By: Smileway Dental

Tips for Teaching Kids to Brush Their Teeth

It can sometimes be difficult to get children to brush their teeth. You can’t just ignore the problem and hope that it goes away. Encouraging kids to brush properly is vital starting from a young age. It can have a great impact on their oral health as they get older. But, if you turn into a nag about it, your child may just outright refuse especially if you’re dealing with a toddler.

Use a reward system

Offer the child a reward for brushing their teeth such as additional computer time or another reward. Make sure this isn’t sugary food or treats which will make their teeth worse. For example each time that your child brushes their teeth properly for the full recommended two minutes, you could use stickers, small toys and other similar gifts to give the child after they have brushed their teeth. Rewards can give  the child incentive to stick to a regular brushing schedule for their teeth.

Set an example

Another thing you can do is brush your teeth with them and make a game out of it. If the child sees that you are brushing your teeth and enjoying it, then they will want to brush. Let your child see you brushing your teeth for the full two minutes. Even better, brush your teeth at the same time as your child and make it a competition.

Start early

Your child can begin brushing their teeth as soon as they have teeth to brush. If they start early, they are going to stick with it over the long term. Your job is to ensure that your children love to brush their teeth. Of course, when your child is very young, it’s more a matter of getting them used to it than actually brushing one or two teeth.

Let them pick

Let them pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Don’t use toothpaste that the child doesn’t like as it will be harder to get them to brush as often as you would like them to. Look at the ingredients of the toothpaste your child chooses. Many contain xylitol and fluoride so you’ll need to be sure they choose the best option available. And if the toothpaste tastes good, they’re going to want to brush more often than they would otherwise.

Make it fun

Brushing doesn’t have to be a struggle. Add some fun to the brushing experience. For example, Once upon a time, there was a family dentist named Hilary, who day after day treated tiny patients with big tooth problems. Even her own children refused to brush. So she called her friend, Colleen, a family psychologist who had three little ones who somehow loved brushing. Together, they reimagined how brushing should be and came up with four lovable characters, a helpful book and a simple solution.

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Stella Yeap
Stella Yeap
2023-02-20
Good dental clinic and good Doctor and nurses
Siew Jing Loh
Siew Jing Loh
2023-01-17
Very gentle doctor and resonable Price 👍👍
Malcolm Elliott
Malcolm Elliott
2022-12-18
After 25 years of trying to find a good dentist in KL have finally found one that is well equiped, knowledgable, skilled and good value. Lovely staff. The only downside is the parking but if you park ay MainPlace and walk across then it’s easy. Update 2022…I am still using this excellent dentist as they remain the best I have experienced over the past 26 years… Dentists, nurses, reception and equipment all top notch… Highly recommended.
Syabas Saga
Syabas Saga
2022-12-16
friendly
Valerie Choong
Valerie Choong
2022-12-07
Highly recommend Dr Edwin! He is a very patient and gentle. Tip top service.
Mc Tech Solutions
Mc Tech Solutions
2022-11-28
Calm & Done, Smileway have My 5Star
Mohammad Fazri Mohd Fatimi -
Mohammad Fazri Mohd Fatimi –
2022-11-28
Friendly staff and Dr. Edwin Kok was very gentle when doing the treatment. Highly recommended!!!

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