Ask anyone who’s taken care of a kid before – they just don’t have much of an attention span (unless it’s for things like video games or other favorite hobbies). Taking two whole minutes to brush their teeth? No thank you! Still, it’s important for kids to do a good job brushing their teeth, which means that you’ll need to find ways to make it something they’ll enjoy doing.
Turn It into a Game
Have you ever met a kid who didn’t like games of some sort? Pretty sure they don’t exist. If you can turn tooth brushing into a game, they’re bound to be more interested in doing it. Find a song they like, play it for two minutes, and challenge them to brush their teeth until the music stops. You could also have them use a plaque disclosing tablet or mouthwash. This will turn the plaque on their teeth a different color. Challenge them to brush until their teeth turn white again, which teaches them to be thorough in their efforts.
Get Them a Fun Toothbrush
Do you remember how much fun it was to have a cool toothbrush as a kid? That hasn’t changed. Kids love to have toothbrushes in fun colors or with their favorite characters on them. Let them pick out a toothbrush to give them more control and ownership over brushing their teeth. You don’t have to stick with manual toothbrushes unless you want to. Kids may enjoy an electric toothbrush, which can be much less work. Some even come with timers that can help your child know when to switch to a different part of their mouth or when to stop.
Do It Together
Kids look up to the adults in their life. They want to do everything you do. Take advantage of that and make tooth brushing a group activity. When they see you brush your teeth, they’ll want to mimic you and will be more amenable to brushing their own teeth. You could even take turns brushing each other’s teeth. They’ll have fun brushing yours, and you’ll be able to make sure their teeth get thoroughly cleaned. Remember, kids often don’t have the dexterity to do a thorough job until they’re between 6-9 years old.
Brushing teeth doesn’t necessarily have to be a chore all the time. If you can find ways to make it more enjoyable for kids, they’re bound to be more likely to do it. Over time, they’ll be more likely to make tooth brushing a habit, something that will benefit them for the rest of their life.
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