What Family Dentists Can Tell You About Getting Your Kids To Brush

It's a fact that kids hate brushing. It's one of those daily chores that they just don't ever want to do. But dentists have great ideas for helping to get your kids to brush. Here are a few things that will really help.

Start Early Teaching Them That Brushing Is Fun

Dentists say that you should rub your baby's gums with a warm wash cloth to get started on lifelong brushing habits. When they're small, sing songs to them or make funny sound effects when you brush their teeth to show them that it's something fun. After brushing, let them do it themselves. If you do this, it will be a fun activity instead of a chore that they have to do several times a day.

A Little Sibling Rivalry Goes A Long Way

Any experienced parent knows that exploiting sibling rivalry goes a long way in getting kids to do things. Dentists often suggest that you give your kids rewards systems for when they do a good job with their brushing. You can either simply tell them that their brother or sister is doing a better job, or create a whole rewards system for making sure it gets done. Have them make their own cards and give them a stamp or a sticker for each successful brushing. They'll be wanting to brush 5 times a day just to keep ahead of their brother or sister! But one word of warning - make sure that it's getting the results you want. Some kids will retreat in the face of sibling rivalry, so it could also backfire. 

Set A Timer

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for 2 full minutes. In order to make sure this gets done, set a timer in the bathroom and tell your kids that they are not to stop moving that toothbrush until it goes off. This is a good way to get them into the routine of really brushing like they need to, and it creates a system so that you can control exactly how much they're brushing. But just because they're doing it 2 minutes doesn't mean they're doing it right. It might be a good idea to keep an eye on them while they brush and make sure they're getting every nook and cranny.

They Learn It From You

Finally, dentists know one simple fact that horrifies most parents, but is completely true - Your kids watch everything you do, and it's monkey-see, monkey-do. This might be a tough bit of advice, but when you have kids it's a great opportunity for you to improve your own dental care. If they see you brushing thoroughly as much as you're supposed to, and giving your chompers a good flossing afterward, they'll do the same. Sometimes parents' bad brushing habits rub off on their kids.

Dentists also say that you should always talk to your kids about brushing. It's important to make sure that they understand all the bad things that can happen if they don't take care of their teeth. It's not enough to just make it fun or trick them into doing it; healthy dental care starts with really understanding why it's important.