Children putting up a fuss about toothbrushing? Is it hard to keep wiggly kids still long enough to give little teeth the TLC they deserve? These six tips can help make brushing fun for children (and easier for parents and caregivers!).
- # 1 Make brushing a positive experience by playing a game. Ask children to open their mouths wide like their favorite animal as you brush: lion, dinosaur, bear.
- # 2 Count little teeth as you brush.
- # 3 Sing or play music as you brush those tiny pearly whites.
- # 4 Reward children for good brushing by using a sticker chart in fun shapes to count how often you are brushing together. Everyone likes to feel successful!
- # 5 Make brushing a beloved routine. Check out smart resources such as Brush, Book, Bed. Every night begins with brushing and ends with a fun bedtime story.
- # 6 Most important of all, relax. Praise your child for a job well-done. Encourage healthy habits with positive words and good role modeling.
Remember, while brushing is important for a child’s healthy smile, it can also be fun!