Tips for Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, can cause pain, discomfort, problems eating or speaking, and more. Though cavities aren’t partial to any age group, cavities are common among children. As children grow, their oral health rapidly changes along with the type of care their teeth and gums need. One way to combat cavities is to ensure kids brush their teeth!

Why is It Important to Brush Children’s Teeth?

While it may not seem like a big deal if kids don’t brush their teeth since baby teeth fall out, that’s not the case. Good oral health starts as soon as the first tooth comes in! Brushing teeth as soon as they grow can establish healthy oral hygiene habits for the future and prevent unwanted dental problems.

Tips to Encourage Brushing

Whether you need to assist a child with brushing their teeth or they need reminders, try these tips for getting kids to brush their teeth!

Educate with Books & Videos

Children tend to have a natural curiosity. Utilize their natural curiosity by educating them about the importance of dental hygiene through child-friendly books or videos. If they have a favorite book or character, research to see if they have any stories or episodes about dentistry!

Play Pretend

Kids love to play! Why not try to incorporate toothbrushing into their playtime? It can be a good idea to set up a “dental clinic” with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and maybe even a doll that needs help brushing. This playful approach can make dentistry enjoyable.

Pick Fun Dental Products

Let’s be honest, mint toothpaste and a standard toothbrush aren’t the most exciting things. Capture your child’s attention by picking fun dental products for them to use. From colorful toothbrushes featuring their favorite cartoon characters to flavored toothpaste in fun packaging, there are plenty of options to appeal to children’s preferences!

Motivate with a Sticker Chart

Kids often respond well to visual progress, and a sticker chart is a great way to encourage consistent brushing. Create a chart where they can add a sticker each time they brush their teeth—morning and night. Offer a small reward after reaching a certain number of stickers. This turns brushing into a fun challenge they’ll want to win, and helps establish consistent habits that last.

Bonus: Don’t Forget to Schedule Dental Visits!

Getting kids to brush their teeth is only one step toward good oral hygiene habits. But, don’t forget about regular dental visits, too! Regular dental visits for a professional exam and cleaning can determine if there are cavities or other unseen dental problems that need to be addressed.

Need to schedule an exam for a member of your family? Contact Balcones Family Dental today!

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Categorized in: Children's Dentistry