Is your child resistant to brushing? Are you struggling to set a positive daily tooth cleaning routine with him or her? Then it may be time to modify your approach. Make this chore a bit more exciting for your kid with these four ideas:
1. Novelty Toothbrush
If your kid doesn't want to brush, entice him or her with a new toothbrush. For little kids, buy a brush with their favourite cartoon character on it, or even consider one that has flashing lights or that plays music. For older kids, pair a new brush with some new floss, a bottle of mouth rinse and a small toiletries bag -- these help to heighten their sense of maturity and encourage them to brush at the same time.
2. New Location
Unfortunately, if your child has been fighting against you at tooth cleaning time, that fight may have become part of your routine. That means that you need to break that negative routine and start completely fresh. In addition to starting with a new toothbrush and supplies, consider moving to a new location.
Instead of brushing teeth in the bathroom, take your resistant child outside and have him or her brush over a paddling pool. Alternatively, bring a bowl of water, a cup and a small mirror into his or her bedroom and try brushing there, or brush in front of the TV.
3. Timer
For children, one of the challenges of brushing is taking the time to do it properly. Many kids just want to rush through the process so they can get back to their lives. If you think your child is brushing too quickly, it's time to implement a timer.
Ideally, you want your child to brush for about two minutes or at least one minute. If you have an old game with a sand timer, move that into the bathroom and use that to encourage your child to brush for an adequate amount of time. Alternatively, find a short, fun song and play that while your child brushes.
4. Sticker Chart
For young kids, sticker charts are often a helpful incentive. To make one, buy a few sheets of small stickers. Every time your child brushes his or her teeth, put a sticker on a piece of paper or on the bathroom mirror. After your child amasses a certain number of stickers, you can allow him or her to "trade" the stickers for cash, extra privileges or other treats.
For more helpful ways to encourage your child to brush his or her teeth, contact a dentist.
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1 March 2016
As a mother, I've seen my kids' faces light up after they've lost a tooth – oh, the excitement they feel about getting their grown up teeth! However, I've also seen my kids become extremely scared and anxious after having an adult tooth knocked out. If you're a mom or a dad with a busy kid, chances are you might see a tooth knocked out in a skateboarding accident or a sport pile-up. This blog is dedicated to those moments when you could lose your wits, and it's here to ensure you don't. I am collecting and curating the best information about kids and dental emergencies here so that you will have it when you need it. Best of luck with your kids' smiles!
