Firstly, it is fantastic if your little one has an interest in brushing their own teeth, but until age 8 they don't have the proper dexterity to do a good enough job on their own. Make sure you brush before or after your child has a turn. I know that on some days your child may enjoy the brushing experience, but often, they may put up a fight.
Always remember that it needs to get done, regardless of whether your child is looking forward to it or not. You would never allow your child to sit in a soiled diaper just because they don't want their diaper changed (why do all kids do this?), so you shouldn't allow food/plaque to sit on your kid’s teeth just because they don't want them to be brushed.
There are times when it can be a fight, so try to make it fun! Like most things, routine is key. Don't give up!
Here are some tricks to get your kids excited about brushing:
- I let my kids hold my brush and brush my teeth while I hold their brush to brush their teeth. Usually this is a fun way that they enjoy brushing (me, maybe not so much, but at least it is for a good cause).
- I ask my kids to look in the mirror with mouth open and pretend to see "sugar bugs", then proceed to brush.
- Sonicare has a children's toothbrush that connects via Bluetooth and the kids can follow along on your phone while they brush (free app!)
*Deer Valley Dental Care in South East Calgary currently sells the Sonicare KIDS toothbrush for $60 each.
Happy Brushing!
Written by: Leah Innes, RDH