Children love fun as well as routines, so establishing a healthy habit from an early age will help them acquire a good method over time.
Every parent knows that brushing children’s teeth can sometimes be an arduous task.
Convincing children to wash their teeth, amidst toothpaste splashes on the mirror, dirty pyjamas and sinks to be re-washed, the temptation to give up can sometimes be strong.
Do you want some ideas on how to make brushing fun?
Use their favourite song
Dentists indicate 2 minutes as the correct brushing time, 1 minute for each top and bottom. Choose a song that lasts at least two minutes and let your child listen to it while brushing his or her teeth. Dance with him/her and have fun too!
Remember to brush your teeth at least twice and after main meals.
Brushing teeth is a fairy-tale
Use your children’s favourite character and tell them a little story about how they diligently brushe their teeth. You could also tell a story in episodes every time they brush. If you don’t have much imagination, don’t worry! There are also many children’s books about brushing one’s teeth. You can read them to your child in a funny way!
Let them choose their toothbrush
Involving children certainly makes the task easier! Let your children choose their own toothbrush in the shop. It can be one with a princess or a superhero, whatever they like to use. Help them to choose if possible, by opting for soft bristles and easy-to-grip shapes especially for younger children and remember that the toothbrush should be changed every 3 months or earlier if the bristles are damaged.
Reward routine
Invent some rewards for doing a great job!
Create a calendar where children can mark the days and times they have brushed their teeth.
Set a goal and a small reward, perseverance will be rewarded! There is no need for a substantial prize, what matters is winning it! Convey enthusiasm and encouragement!
Create a routine so that children know when it is time to brush their teeth. Choose a moment dedicated to this activity as a habit, this will allow them to follow a routine that will be perceived as an automatic action.
If I listen I forget, if I watch I understand, if I do I learn.
Set an example! This is the most important advice. You cannot think of imposing an oral hygiene routine on children if you are not the first to comply with it.
To establish a good habit, you can brush your teeth together or if you like with the whole family. There are often hectic times during the day, but you can carve out this time after dinner and before going to bed – after all, it only takes a few minutes!
By showing that you are happy with what you are doing, children will easily follow suit and begin to see that moment as an opportunity for closeness as well.
It is well known that when teaching something new, it is important to use the right ways, first of all imitation: when I watch I understand how it is done. Here then is the importance of being with an adult who explains what they are doing and how. What excites and stimulates interest is memorised more easily.
Oral hygiene, however, is a habit: the relational dimension (doing things together) and the pro-active approach are key ingredients in reinforcing newly learned habits.
Not to mention that this will also help your oral hygiene!
Mr. White has its tricks!
Toothbrushes and toothpastes with children’s favourite characters will be a great incentive. Also, you could try the flashing toothbrushes where a flashing LED light will guide you to brush your teeth for the two minutes it takes to ensure a beautiful smile!
