Tips to get kids to brush their teeth

Today we are excited to bring you a guest post by Linda Valderrarna, R.D.H., the author of Brush Barry Brush.

1. The most important idea is to create routines. Parents should describe to their child what they expect and keep repeating it consistently. You can make charts and use stickers, pictures, stories, whatever it takes to make your child aware of the routine that you expect them to follow. In a couple of words, “patient persistence” is a good description of what it takes to instill a habit. Consistency is important.
2. Always encourage your child and reward good behavior when they comply. Set them up for success. They will see that it is more fun and rewarding to cooperate and participate in the routine. Set attainable short term goals by making daily, weekly and monthly charts and rewards. Rewards can be as little as a sticker or as much as going to a movie or a fun activity. Words of encouragement are important. Children 5 and older can even help to discuss what rewards could be.
3. Give good directions and set a good example yourself.
4. If you are brushing the teeth of a very young child, stand behind them. Let them hold the toothbrush and move their hand in the correct circular movement with both of you looking straight ahead into a mirror. You can make it fun by telling them to roar like a lion or open as wide as a hippo. You can count their teeth (1-10 top and 1-10 on the bottom).This time together is valuable and can be a bonding experience for you both.
5. For older children in the 4-5 year range, you can try a home experiment that will leave an impression and bring home the importance of tooth brushing. Boil an egg. Place it in a dark colored soda for at least day. When you take it out it will be discolored with a yellowish brown coating. You can take a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush it off as an example of how plaque on forms on teeth and the importance of brushing.
6. Have your child think of vegetables that begin with the same letter or sound as the first letter of their first name. Then, have them draw a picture of themselves eating it ,then brushing their teeth.

Linda Valderrama R.D.H. has over 25 years experience as a dental hygienist. She has treated patients from ages two to one hundred years old and has successfully developed preventative oral hygiene programs tailored to individual needs. Linda is a strong believer that good oral hygiene habits lead to good overall health and that these daily habits must be acquired early in life.