Routines can be difficult for children, as their nature tends to stray towards chaos at any given moment. How many times have you told them to go to bed early to get up for school or to pick up their things when they’re done with them, so their rooms don’t end up a mess? It’s probably the same story when you ask them to brush their teeth.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle to find ways to persuade their children to pick up a good oral hygiene routine. Your dentist may be an expert at cleaning their teeth, but they can only help so much once your child is out of their office.
Continue reading to find some helpful tips and tricks for establishing an easy, fast, and fun routine that will help to build a healthy habit.
Baby’s First Brush
The way you go about getting your child to brush depends almost entirely on how old they are. Starting a routine before your child even has teeth can start making connections in the little one’s brain early on. By the time they’re ready to pick out their first toothbrush, they will have already known what it feels like.
To clean the mouth of your baby:
- At first, use a damp washcloth to wipe the baby’s gums after feedings to prevent bacterial growth.
- When teeth begin to show, use a finger brush to gently wipe them and the child’s tongue after meals and before bedtime.
- Once your child has a few more visible teeth, you can start using a baby toothbrush and a tiny, rice-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.
How Do I Get My Child to Brush on Their Own?
As your child gets older, it becomes increasingly important that they begin to show initiative in taking care of their own needs. While it may feel like a chore at first, with proper incentive and guidance, you can show your child that taking care of their oral health can be fun!
- Lead by example and show your child that you also like to take care of your teeth. Try to get them to follow you to the sink so you can show them all the cool tools you use to brush your teeth.
- Once they are interested in what you’re doing and want to try it themselves, show them how to brush and floss.
- Get them their very own special toothbrush and yummy fluoride toothpaste. Allowing your child to make these decisions themselves can make them feel more grown-up and invested in the idea of a routine.
- Chart their successes on a calendar and try rewarding them when they reach certain milestones. Possible rewards might include staying up 15 minutes past bedtime, a book from the bookstore, a small toy, or extra playtime with you. Again, let them decide the rewards so they feel they have agency.
What if None of This is Working?
Don’t panic. Every child is different and learns at different rates with different motivators. The key to every possibly frustrating situation with children is patience and understanding.
Be consistent with your feedback to them and continue to lead the way by taking care of yourself. If you’re still unsure, your dentist may have some ideas to jumpstart their progress.
Nurturing a healthy smile in your child is a rewarding journey. By implementing these strategies, you’re setting them on the path to a lifetime of good oral hygiene.
About the Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, you’ll be served by professional, certified dentists who have experience working with patients of all ages. The team takes pride in providing a comfortable atmosphere and their dedication to the enrichment of family education in oral health. You won’t find a better group to take care of all your child’s dental needs in Temple, Texas. To schedule an appointment for your child or explore other available services, visit the website here or call (254) 727-7144.