Top 5 Ways To Help Your Child Brush From a Pediatric Dentist in Auburn MA!

If you’re a parent, you’re probably all too aware that getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a struggle! In fact, “How can I get my kids to brush?” is one of the most common questions parents ask their pediatric dentist in Auburn MA. And since the long-term health of your child’s teeth and gums depends on good hygiene habits, your efforts are well worth it. But that doesn’t mean it has to be such a challenge each day. There are actually 5 great strategies any parent can use to make brushing easier. Learn more below and say goodbye to the daily brushing battle!

1. Make It a Family Affair

As a parent, you have to take care of your own teeth too, so you may as well head into the bathroom together to make brushing and flossing a “family affair.” Since kids want to do what they see you doing, it’s a great way to encourage them. And while it may not be realistic to do this every day, doing it whenever possible will still be helpful.

2. Play Their Favorite Song For 2 Minutes

To do an effective job, pediatric dentists recommend brushing for 2 minutes, at least twice a day. But many people (kids and adults alike) only wind up brushing for 1 minute or less.

One way to make brushing more fun and effective is to play one of your kid’s favorite songs for 2 minutes while they brush.

3. Pick Everything Out Together

Just as many children are more inclined to eat dinner if they have a say in what it is, they’re also more likely to use a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash (for kids over 6) if they picked it out themselves.

So when it’s time to stock up on oral hygiene supplies, take your child along and have them pick out what they want to use. It seems like a small thing, but it can make a big difference!

4. Use a Reward System

Rewards don’t have to be big or elaborate and can be a very effective way to motivate your child. One example is putting a star on the calendar for each day that your child brushes in the morning and evening. If they have 7 stars at the end of the week, they can pick out a small toy or get an extra hour of screen time.

5. Establish a Routine Early On

Children of all ages respond well to routine, and the earlier you establish the habit of oral hygiene, the better. Simply cleaning an infant’s gums with a damp cloth twice a day is helpful because it gets them used to having someone clean their mouth for them. That makes it much easier to brush and floss their teeth as they get older.

With these 5 tips, you can help your child establish great oral hygiene habits and set them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!

About the Author

Dr. Reema Dhingra, Dr. Anubha Sacheti, and Dr. Golnaz Goodarzi are pediatric dentists in Auburn MA who are passionate about helping kids have great oral health. They focus on prevention first, treatment second, and know that children’s hygiene habits are the foundation of their healthy smile. If you struggle to get your kids to brush and have additional questions, they can be reached via their website or at (508) 832-6278.