Are your kids not so excited about brushing their teeth? It’s normal, especially if they are not used to having a routine. If you find it hard to get them to do it every day, here are some ways on how you can motivate your kids to brush! We all know that a healthy smile is the result of good oral hygiene practices. When we neglect our teeth, they tend to get stained and develop cavities. However, beyond its appearance, there are also other reasons why we need to take care of our pearly whites. Good oral hygiene prevents tooth decay and plaque buildup which could lead to gingival inflammation or periodontal disease. Unfortunately, many children today have unhealthy habits when it comes to taking care of their teeth.
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8 Simple Ways to Motivate Your Kids to Brush
1. Make brushing a habit
Some kids might need to be reminded to brush their teeth as it’s not a natural instinct for them. Make sure that your child is brushing their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. They must also use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. If you want your children to make brushing a daily routine, it’s best to start when they are still young. Getting them used to brushing their teeth will become easier once it becomes a habit. You can do this by making brushing part of their bedtime routine. If you want your kids to be brushing properly, it’s best if you can demonstrate how it is done. This way, they will be doing it right.
2. Use games to motivate your kids to brush
What better way to get your kids excited about brushing than playing games that are related to it? There are plenty of games that your kids can play that are related to oral hygiene and toothbrushes. These games come in different forms from puzzles to apps. If you want to make brushing fun for your child, try playing games that have something to do with it. You can even make it a contest between you and your child. The winner gets to choose what to do next.
3. Offer rewards
There are lots of kids who will only brush their teeth if they get a reward. However, you should only do this if you want to. If your children are motivated by rewards, you can offer them something when they brush their teeth. If your child is young, you can offer them a healthy dessert such as fruit popsicles or mini toys at the end of the week when they brush their teeth. You can also use a timer. Let your child know that when the timer rings, he has to brush his teeth. This is a great way for kids to stay motivated to brush their teeth.
4. Brush together
If you have a child who is a bit older, try brushing their teeth with them. You can demonstrate how to brush your child’s teeth properly and let them know the importance of it. This helps to not only show them but also make them understand the importance of brushing their teeth. Try to brush with your children as often as you can.
5. Try sticker chart
Another way to motivate your kids to brush is by using a sticker chart. Whenever your child successfully brushes their teeth, they get a sticker. You can also use a timer, where they get a sticker when the timer goes off. If your child already has a sticker chart, you can add brushing their teeth to it. This is a great way to reinforce good brushing habits.
6. Use reminder apps or calendar
If you want your child to remember to brush their teeth every day, you can get reminder apps for your phone. You can also put a reminder in your phone’s calendar so you can see it every day. This will help you as well as your child remember to brush their teeth. When your child forgets to brush their teeth, you can remind them to do it. This will help them build their brushing habit.
7. Don’t nag, instead show how to brush correctly
Kids, especially those below the age of seven, don’t really understand the importance of brushing their teeth. This is especially so if they are just newly introduced to it. If your child doesn’t know how to brush their teeth, you can show them how. Try to make brushing their teeth as fun and enjoyable as possible. Let your kids choose which toothbrush they want and make sure they use the right amount of toothpaste. You can even let them use a toothbrush with a character on it so they can recognize the importance of it.
8. Talk about the benefits of brushing
One way to motivate your kids to brush their teeth is by letting them know the benefits of it. This will help them realize that it’s important to do so. You can do this by letting them narrate what they are doing while brushing their teeth. You can also let your child know that brushing their teeth will help them avoid cavities, plaque, and gingivitis.
Conclusion
Brushing your teeth is important for your overall health. If you don’t brush your teeth daily, you risk having a lot of health problems. This includes cavities, plaque, and gingivitis. You can avoid these problems by brushing your teeth daily. If you want your kids to have healthy teeth, you have to start with you. Be sure to brush your teeth every day. This will lead to healthier gums and stronger teeth. It will also prevent bad breath. Also, let them know the importance of it by showing them how to brush their teeth. This will help them establish healthy habits and lead to stronger teeth.
Have you tried any of the above ways to motivate your kids to brush? Be sure to share them on Pinterest!
Do you have a toddler who seem to never run out of energy come bedtime? Check out and try these 7 Calming Activities for Toddlers Before Bed to help your toddlers relax and wind down.
