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Just like eating healthy food, being active, and going to bed on time, brushing teeth properly is an activity that kids often resist. However, it is one that can't be ignored. Brushing properly doesn't just benefit children when they're young, but sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits, good oral hygiene and keeping other health problems at bay. If your children are giving you a hard time every night when it comes to cleaning their teeth, it can be extremely frustrating. Here are my top tips for making it a much more bearable time of day!
Model Good Behavior
Kids often do as they see rather than what they are told, so set a good example for them by treating brushing your teeth as a fun activity, rather than a chore. Try brushing your teeth with them, showing them the right way, and being excited about it. They won’t want to miss out when they see how much fun you are having.
Make It Fun
Sometimes the problem could be your child's natural aversion to being forced to do something that they perceive as a chore, rather than a fun activity. To fix this, make brushing fun! Try bringing a stuffed animal into the bathroom to brush with them, timing brushing with a song or an egg timer, or making the brushing into a contest. Celebrate when they're done, and be sure to compliment them on what a great job they did!
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Take them to the dentist
If you are finding that you are really up against it, book an appointment with a dentist, such as owensdds.com. Give them a heads up that you are struggling to get across the message of how important this is, and while they are giving them a checkup, they may be able to give them a lesson in good oral health. A lot of the time, kids are more enthusiastic when listening to a professional than their own parents!
Try a plaque disclosing tablet
These are tablets that you chew, which can usually be found in pharmacies or at your dentist. The agent then reacts by turning pink, or another color, anywhere there is plaque. The color shows kids the need to brush and lets them know when they are doing a good job brushing, as well as indicating areas that need more attention.
Give them a choice
Let your children choose things like the color of their toothbrush, the brand, or the flavor of their toothpaste. Giving kids a choice invests them in the process and makes them feel like they have some control over the situation.
Get Messy
There's no way around it—children love messes. In this case, that can work for you. When kids are brushing well, the toothpaste bubbles up and foams. The more foam, the better. Encourage your kids to brush in a way that makes lots of bubbles. Having to clean up afterward is a small price to pay for the lifetime of good oral health that you are encouraging.