If you are having trouble getting your child to brush his or her teeth, rest assured that you are not alone. This is a common concern of parents with young children. Teeth brushing is foreign for youngsters. Just getting a toddler to sit still can be a challenge, so it makes sense that accomplishing a good teeth brushing would be difficult. That said, there are ways to make the task easier on you and more enjoyable for them.
Take Turns
Most young children love to copy the actions of their parents. They want to try makeup, they want to help with cooking, they want to shave like daddy and paint their nails like mommy. This is a very typical childhood phenomenon. They learn about the routines of life from you, so be sure that you are setting a good example with your own dental hygiene. If you want to help a child brush his teeth, then allow him to try brushing your teeth first.
Don’t Make it a Bedtime Routine
One of the common mistakes that parents make is making toothbrushing the last thing that occurs before bed. It makes sense, of course. You do want them brushing after they have finished their last meal of the day, and right before bed is the perfect time. However, this can also establish a negative correlation for the child, who begins to associate brushing with bedtime (and that is generally something kids like to avoid at all costs). Instead, consider brushing teeth before their bath in the evening, or allowing them to return to the living room to read stories before being laid down for bed.
Combine Story Time and Toothbrushing Time
Stories, in fact, are a great way to encourage brushing. If your child enjoys stories, consider stocking up on books that have some link to dental hygiene, or create your own stories about defeating monsters hiding in his or teeth, which can be told while the child brushes.
Make Your Own Toothpaste
These days, kids are learning to enjoy DIY projects as much as their parents. Own only has to look to the “make your own slime” craze for evidence of this fact. Make teeth brushing more interesting by making your own toothpaste. There are several all-natural toothpaste recipes online but be sure to check with your dentist beforehand to ensure that you are using ingredients that are safe for use with a child.