Kids Not Brushing Their Teeth? Try These Easy Methods

Kids are not interested in brushing their teeth. It is a fact, and it changes with age. Parents often try to motivate their kids to brush by using threats or punishments, but these methods usually fail. However, there are other, easier ways that parents can encourage children to start brushing for two minutes twice daily when they get the age of three.

Why Are Early Brushing Habits Important?

Many people do not realize that getting children into the habit of brushing early can lead to healthier dental life later on in adulthood. Brushing regularly minimizes decaying and reduces cavities significantly in teenagers according to research done by The National Institute of Health (NIH).
Getting children started on good dental hygiene habits early will lead them towards long term success when it comes time for braces or permanent retainers. Even a toddler who cant brush well can have a parent help them get out the food particles from around their teeth with a soft cloth or water flosser.
In school-aged children, parents should take it upon themselves to be their child's dental advocate and get them interested in taking care of their teeth. Parents can get kids excited about having sparkling white teeth by getting them into the habit of drinking lemonade instead of soda pop. The high sugar content in soda increases cavity rates significantly because it creates bacteria that stays on the tooth long after the drink has been consumed.

How Early Should You Start Teaching Dental Habits?

Once a toddler turns three, parents should begin teaching them how to properly use a toothbrush and what foods are not good for one's smile. Kids will be more able to take care of their teeth if they know what is hurting them and why.
Brushing is only one part of good dental hygiene practices. Parents should talk to their children about eating right, not touching or playing with their teeth, and never using a toothpick. Flossing each night is another habit that must also be practiced in order to keep the smile healthy and strong. Making it fun for kids will encourage them to concentrate on taking care of their teeth instead of just brushing when it is bedtime.

How To Help Get Your Kids to Brush

Brush With Them
There's nothing that encourages young children to brush like good-quality toothbrushes for every member of the family (under supervision). Have your child pick out his favorite color, character or pattern; this not only helps make them fun but also makes them more motivated to use them regularly. The American Dental Association recommends replacing these brushes at least every three months, so consider doing an exchange with your little one around Christmas or his birthday.
Your child will feel empowered when given his own brush, and it will be more likely to want to cooperate during this time of bonding with you. Kids love imitating adults, so let them copy your movements at least once a day. This way they are learning good brushing habits while simply having fun! It is best to do this after breakfast or before bedtime.
If there is not enough time for the whole process in the morning, try doing it at night before going to bed. When we go to sleep we lose most of our alertness and some people may forget some details about their routine such as brushing their teeth so it would be easier for children if they did this task right before sleeping since they can't remember it very well.
Have Fun With It
Kids love this because they can dance while brushing their teeth! This way not only are the children brushing but they also get to enjoy doing it.
The app "coco" for smartphones offers many possibilities in terms of animations and sounds which makes it easier for parents since they do not need to come up with ideas on how to entertain their children during tooth brushing time. It also has an option where you can choose your favorite song from your phone's library so that the child enjoys listening to the same tune over and over again while brushing his or her teeth.
Make sure that you are both having fun while performing this. Most kids are more likely to brush their teeth if they are with someone who is having fun.
There are many methods that parents can use to convince kids aged three and up about the importance of taking proper care of their pearly whites. The sooner they learn this, the better off will be in adolescence and adulthood.