We all know how important brushing our teeth is; however, while most adults know we should be brushing thoroughly twice a day for two minutes, getting young children involved can prove trickier. Here are five ways to help your kids make brushing a regular habit.
1: Brush with ‘friends’
Encourage children to brush their favourite toy’s teeth, so that you can teach them how to do theirs. A simple distraction works really well, and before long they’ll be happy to brush on their own.
If a vibrating toothbrush gets a child cleaning their teeth, use it. However, some electric toothbrushes can be too tickly for young children, meaning they avoid using them. If this is the case, stick to manual brushes, as the important thing is to get children brushing twice a day.
3: Avoid strong flavours
They might make your mouth feel fresh, but strong mint flavours aren’t great for children, as they won’t like the ‘burning’ sensation and might avoid brushing as a result. If possible, avoid fruit-flavoured toothpastes, as they get children used to sugary-tasting things, and encourages them to swallow. If fruity flavours are the only way they’ll comply, use them, but where possible use mild mint toothpaste.
4: Do it with them
If your children are a bit older, get them interested in brushing by doing it with them. Stand in front of a mirror with them so they can see what you/they are doing, and brush your teeth first, followed by theirs. Make sure you supervise brushing until they’re around seven years old.
Make brushing fun by letting them pick their own toothbrush, or try a connected toothbrush with an app or game associated. Colourful, vibrating brushes with flashing lights will make teeth brushing much more exciting if children are reluctant to brush.
