5 Tips and Tricks to Motivate Your Child for Brushing Teeth

5 Tips and Tricks to Motivate Your Child for Brushing TeethMotivating a child to brush his or her teeth on a regular basis can be harder than it sounds. For a variety of reasons from a short attention span to sheer boredom, children will not be willing to stand still and clean their teeth twice a day. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that one can use to keep their child in front of the bathroom sink for at least two minutes.

1. Play a song to dance to while brushing

While placing a timer on the counter will count two minutes of brushing, may instill a negative impression of brushing in the child. By helping the child pick out a short, two-minute song that he or she loves, the parent will help the child have a slightly more positive view of brushing teeth than before.

2. Play a two-minute video while brushing

If music or a dance party while brushing does not work for the child, then consider playing a two or three-minute video to entertain them while they brush. Help the child pick out a video that he or she likes from a music video to a cartoon. Go over proper brushing techniques and have the child use the video as a timer for how long he or she needs to keep brushing.

3. Brush together with the child

This tip may work more with younger children than with older, but can still be effective. By brushing with the child, parents can promote proper brushing techniques, verify the child is brushing and attempt to instill positive feelings with dental hygiene.

4. Let the child choose a toothbrush

This is another step that can seem simple, but can be effective. By letting the child choose a toothbrush, the child will be able to feel as if he or she has more of a say in the brushing process. In some cases, this can mean choosing a tooth brush with a cartoon character or a theme. Getting the child a toothbrush that he or she wants can help to make them enjoy brushing just a little more than normal.

5. Use a cell phone to track a child’s teeth over time

Kidshealth.org has a chart typically used in the classroom that tracks brushing and flossing. The child fills out the chart each day and turns it in at the end of each week. However, this may not be as much fun for the child as seeing the improvement over several months. With this in mind, take pictures or make a video of your child’s teeth while they brush. Save these pictures and view them with your child later on. This will help to keep the child interested in brushing and show the positive effects of long-term proper dental hygiene. If you are interested in more information on child dental care, view these pages on our website.

Recent Posts

Top 5 Misleading Myths Of Dentistry

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, states that around 17.5 percent of children ages 5 to 19, had untreated tooth decay from 2011 to 2012. Within the same year, the CDC states that 27 percent of adults between 20 to 44 years of age had the same problem. Most people do not like…

A Dentist Answers Frequently Asked Dentistry Questions

As a dentist in Coral Gables , there are certain questions that people ask on a regular basis. We want to inform our patients and will answer any questions that you may have so that you can make an educated decision about your oral health care. By discussing procedures in detail, we are confident that…

4 Crazy Facts About Bad Breath That Are Actually True

Dragon breath, toilet tongue, maggot mouth, the breath of death and even yuck mouth are all terms used to describe bad breath. A condition that everyone gets from time to time - there are multiple causes of bad breath that can lead to unpleasant experiences each day. Here are four crazy facts about bad breath…

The Importance Of A Routine Dental Check-up And Cleaning

We all try our best to take care of our oral health, and a dental check-up is certainly an important part of that. We brush, floss, try to eat properly, and avoid acidic drinks, but we can't neglect regular visits to the dentist to take care of our teeth, gums, tongue, and throat. A routine dental…


Explore additional oral health topics covered on our website:

Gables Exceptional Dentistry

At Gables Exceptional Dentistry in Coral Gables, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and find the best solution.

Our staff will create a calm and comforting atmosphere at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.

Recent Posts

How To Care For Your New Dental Crowns

How To Care For Your New Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are a valuable investment in your oral health and smile's appearance. Whether you have received crowns to restore damaged teeth or for cosmetic reasons, it is important to properly care for them to ensure they last a long time. Here are some essential tips to help maintain the longevity and aesthetics of your…

Can A Dentist Save A Cracked Tooth?

Can A Dentist Save A Cracked Tooth?

Wondering whether a cracked tooth can be saved by a dentist? Read on to find out. If a cracked tooth is damaged beyond what can be repaired, then a dentist may recommend having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed dental bridge, partial denture, or implant-supported dental crown.The methods used to treat a cracked…