How To Get Your Child Excited About Brushing Their Teeth

If you're anything like the average person, your home probably erupts into a mini revolt each time you ask your little one to brush their teeth. Don't panic. There are a number of things you can do to get your child excited about brushing their teeth.

Bring The Toys Along

Most children fantasize about being just like their favorite characters. Bring your child's favorite character toy along when it's time for brushing. Go out and purchase an additional toothbrush that can be used for your child's toy.

Tell your child that brushing is so important that even toys have to do it. Doing this turns brushing into more a fun activity than a boring chore. Let your child decide which toy they will bring along each time it's time to brush.

Establish A Reward System

Children like to be rewarded. If part of their reward involves some good behavior, they are often more than willing to oblige. Create a reward system that allows your child to earn points for each time they brush their teeth.

You can determine exactly what the rewards are based on your child and your parenting preference. For example, a reward for a toddler might be an extra apple at snack time. For a slightly older child, a reward might be allowing the child to stay up an extra five minutes past bedtime.

Flavorful Toothpaste

If your child doesn't care for the flavor of the toothpaste, you can't exactly expect them to be okay with putting it in their mouth. When looking for a toothpaste for your child, go for flavorful options.

While most adult toothpaste are limited to mint flavors, children's toothpaste options include cherry, grape, bubblegum and a number of additional options. Since the toothpaste will be flavor friendly, make certain you are telling your child about the importance of not swallowing it.

Family Affair

Consider making brushing time a family affair. Instead of everyone in the family brushing their teeth separately, you could make nighttime brushing a group activity.

This doesn't just add a level of excitement to brushing, but it also allows your child to learn from the example of other members of their family. When your child sees that you take care of your teeth and are excited about brushing, they will be more apt to take on this type of mindset.

With a little effort, you can get your little one excited about brushing their teeth, so that when it comes time to visit the dentist (such as one from Dental Associates of Tampa), your child will be all smiles.

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