Make Brushing Fun for Your Kid With These 4 Tips
Children don’t always want to do what’s best for them. Whether it’s eating their vegetables or going to bed on time, it’s never without some pushback. Brushing their teeth is no different, but our Washington, MI, family dentists have a few ways you can spruce up their daily oral hygiene routine.
Here are 4 fun tips designed to not only help kids brush their teeth twice a day, but practice the habit for the right amount of time.
1. Try Turning On Some Catchy Tunes
Turning a song on for two minutes is a great way to have fun while teaching your child the importance of brushing teeth and preventing cavities. You can even join in and dance along with your child as they learn proper brushing techniques! This not only makes the experience more enjoyable but also helps them develop positive associations with the habit and be in better shape outside of professional teeth cleanings inside our Washington, MI, dental office.
Pick one of their favorite songs that lasts two minutes or a song specifically about tooth brushing that they can enjoy. There are even tooth-brushing playlists on music streaming platforms designed to keep kids engaged and motivated. The upbeat tempo can serve as a timer, letting them know exactly how long to brush. Some popular options include “Brush Your Teeth” by Raffi or “Brush Your Teeth” by The Wiggles.
For extra fun, consider creating a brushing-themed playlist together, so your child can look forward to choosing a song each time. Additionally, using an electric toothbrush that plays music or has built-in sound effects can enhance the experience. This way, your child won’t see brushing as a chore, but rather as a fun activity they get to look forward to twice a day.
2. Use a Timer to Keep Track
Kids love to see how fast they can be with tasks and if they break a personal record, the victory is even sweeter. A colorful sand timer works great and allows children to visually see the time they still have left to brush. This adds a fun, competitive element to their brushing routine, encouraging them to stick with it for the full two minutes needed for effective cavity prevention. Don’t have one? The timer on your phone is a suitable alternative.
A toothbrush with a built-in timer set to go off after two minutes is also an option to help keep your child going for the recommended amount of time. These brushes are specifically designed for children’s dental care, making it easier for kids to brush for the recommended amount of time. Some even vibrate or play sounds when the time is up, adding an extra layer of engagement that helps them associate brushing with fun rather than a burdensome task.
3. Motivate With Small Rewards
isn’t always easy but a little motivation can go a long way. Responsibly promising a reward or treat just might give your kid the push they need to get the job done.
Prizes do not have to cost much and can simply be an extra hour of story time or their favorite dinner once a week. You could also let them choose their favorite flavor of fluoride toothpaste next time you’re at the store.
Our family dentists also recommend creating an oral hygiene chart. Let your child track their progress byplacing a sticker each time they finish brushing their teeth. Once they’ve placed a certain number of stickers, then they can receive their reward. Visual aids help children feel both involved in the process and focused on the task of .
4. Add Stories to the Routine
Children have extremely active imaginations so why not mix a little creative storytelling into their oral health routine?Relatable, fun stories can get young children excited and energized into having fun while they brush their teeth.
For example, tell them that there are “sugar creatures” that want to attack their teeth and if they brush well at least twice a day and for the full two minutes each time, they will defeat the pesky creatures.
If making a story off of the top of your head isn’t your strong suit, try reading an age-appropriate book about to them as they brush.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Visit
Our , want everyone in a family to have a beautiful, healthy smile including children. That’s why we offer dental services to kids of all ages and make sure oral hygiene starts young. Call Romeo Family Dentistry today at (586) 752-3589 to request an appointment for your little ones.
This blog post has been updated.