Brushing your teeth the proper way can be a difficult task for adults, not to mention how tough it can be for kids. Since proper dental care is an important part of everyone's day, how can we teach kids to brush the right way?
Lead by Example
Many kids are interested in what their parents are doing and how. In order to ensure that our teeth are properly cleaned, we should all be brushing twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. Brush your teeth with your child, so they can see how long you brush your teeth and how well you do it. To make it a little more fun for your kid, you could allow them to brush your teeth as well.
Make Brushing Special
Take your kid to the store and allow them to pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. There are also sticker kits for toothbrushes available that give your kid the chance to put stickers on their toothbrush in order to make it their own. When it comes to the toothpaste, there are many flavors out there, you don't have to just go with plain mint. They could pick out watermelon, bubblegum, strawberry, berry, and more.
Make a Game of It
Allow your kid to pick out an extra toothbrush that they can use for their teddy bears or dolls. They can then use what they learn from you while brushing and practice on or teach their stuffed animals.
Download an app for brushing teeth. There are a variety of apps out there that will play music for the recommended two minutes, so your kid can jam to music while cleaning their teeth. When the music stops, they know they are done.
While you are brushing with your kid or helping them brush, celebrate each tooth that is brushed. "Tooth number three is shiny and clean!" "Whoohoo!"
Dental health is extremely important, so taking the time to get your kid interested and brushing properly will help them in the long run.