Dentist Tips: Encourage Kids Brushing

One of the most common problems that many parents struggle with on a daily (or twice daily) basis is how to get their kids to brush their teeth. Habits are formed early in life and developing a great foundation for good oral health and hygiene is best established while children are young. Regular visits to the dentist once your child has developed baby teeth are very important. Getting into the routine of going to the dental office and sitting in the chair is vital for teaching kids that there isn't anything to be afraid of at the dentist and these visits are helpful and fun.

Regular cleanings and fluoride treatments can also keep cavities at bay, which will in turn encourage your child to enjoy their dental visits more. The less cavities they need filled, the less work they need done, and the less time they spend in that chair all help promote positive feelings about the dentist. Receiving fun and positive praise such as gold stars or stickers can also help encourage kids to look forward to that bi-annual cleaning.

For some kids, knowing that the work they put in each morning and night at the bathroom sink will help contribute to shorter and less painful visits to the dental office is often enough. But that is usually more of an adult view of life and consequences. Instead, parents have to find a way to ensure there are short-term consequences that will encourage kids to brush and brush long enough to make a difference.

Recent advances in research and inventiveness have promoted the possible production of a toothpaste that changes colors as the kids brush. Starting out red, it will turn to blue and then purple over the span of a couple of minutes. This helps kids know when they have brushed long enough. The purple color signifies they are done and get to do the fun part: spit in the sink.

Lastly, ask your dentist if they have any ideas about how to make the morning and evening brushing ritual more fun and enticing for youngsters. He or she may have some tips that you hadn't thought of that will encourage your child to spend more time at the sink. Parents should be aware of what motivates their particular children and finding what makes your kid tick can be the perfect way to determine how to get them to enjoy brushing their teeth and develop lifelong healthy oral habits.