Every parent knows that children aren’t always the most co-operative. And when it comes to getting them to do something new or that they don’t want to do they can be particularly resistant, whether it’s putting on shoes or getting them to take a bath, or getting the to brush their teeth!
According to the dental expert, parents should teach their kids about the importance of oral hygiene as early as possible; brushing baby teeth as soon as they start to appear and supervising children as they get older until they are at least eight years old.
If you’re a parent and scratching your head over how to get your child to brush their teeth, here are some top real-life tips taken straight from parents who have fought the battle themselves!
1. Starting Early
Dentists will always advocate starting as early as possible when getting your kids accustomed to the process of brushing their teeth. Often it can be as simple as handing them a baby toothbrush for them to chew on – anything that gets them used to the feeling.
2. Being a copycat
Kids copy their role models, like mum and dad or an older sibling, and mydentist’s research showed that 37% of parents brush their teeth alongside their children to encourage them to follow suit.
3. Making a game of it
If there’s one thing that kids love, it’s playing games. So why not make brushing their teeth fun? If they enjoy themselves they’re more likely to associate brushing with positive feelings. Research by mydentist showed that making the routine more fun was a common tactic used by parents. Some of their methods included using a song (14%), sticking stars on a reward chart (14%) and using a fun toothbrush (24%).
4. Tough tactics
Sometimes you have to get tough, and often showing children what could happen if they don’t do something can be most effective. 26% of parents said they told their children their teeth would fall out if they didn’t brush.
Read also: Oral Hygiene Tips for Cleaner, Whiter Teeth and That Great Smile
– Cover Image: aboutsmileskids.com.au
