Tips to Make Tooth Brushing Teeth Fun for Children
Getting your children to brush their teeth can be hard for some parents. In addition to taking them to school, feeding them, clothing them, taking them to sporting events, organising activities and house work on the weekend, parents need to think about making sure their children are learning to take care of themselves.
One of those importance life skills every child needs to learn is brushing his or her teeth. Getting your kids into a routine of tooth brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes will go a long way in keeping your kids teeth and gums stay healthy well into their adulthood. In this blog, we have a few suggestions on making brushing fun and interesting for your kids
If you need a quick reminder on the basics of brushing your children’s teeth, read our previous blog Best Techniques on How to Brush your Teeth or watch the video below (courtesy of the American Dental Association) to find out how to brush your child’s teeth.
Getting your kids into a routine of brushing 2 times a day for 2 minutes will go a long way in keeping your kids teeth and gums stay healthy well into their adulthood
TOP TIPS for Tooth Brushing for Children
Tip 1- Have 2 Minutes of Fun
Setting a timer can help, but you can mix it up with downloading a phone app that has songs or characters dancing. Make brushing twice a day for two minutes an event! Play your child’s favourite song and have a 2 minute dance party as you brush. Playing videos or teeth brushing apps can also help to make time fly by.
Tip 2 - Use Phone Apps
There are many phone apps out there that help children to learn to brush and help parents to teach their children to brush their teeth. Find the app that is most helpful for you and your child. Below are some recommendations.
Brush Teeth with The Wiggles by Australian Unity
Macleans Brush Time by GlaxoSmithKline PLC
Toothy: Toothbrush Timer by Volodymyr Yahenskyi
Tip 3 - Videos - Some tooth brushing songs to Help your child brush for 2 minutes
Below are some super simple songs with a duration of about 2 minutes. They easy to use tooth brush songs that can help your children enjoy brushing their teeth.
"This Is the Way We Brush Our Teeth" from Little Baby Bum
Follows the tune of children's nursery song, "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush".
This song emphasises the importance of brushing twice a day with an easy-to-remember tune.
"Brush and Floss" from the American Dental Association
Dudley the Dinosaur and friends teach your kids all the steps for good dental oral hygiene and looking after their teeth
"Plants vs. Zombies & the ADA Present: Stop Zombie Mouth!"
Stop the Putrid Posse with this two-minute song that teaches kids of all ages about good dental hygiene and looking after their teeth
"Toothbrushing Song" from EZTales
Add some rockabilly flair to your family's brushing routine.
"Brush Your Teeth" from KidsTV123
This pleasant relaxing song, combined with fun sound effects, can make brushing a fun and relaxing time for your little one.
"Kids Just Love to Brush" from Sesame Street
An oldie but goodie. Sesame Street video performed by The Bicuspids and inspired by Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". Sesame Street tooth brushing song
Tip 4 - It’s all about sticking to a routine
Our dentists believe that having routine can greatly influence your health in a positive or negative way. It may be tempting to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (for example if you are on a family vacation or during school holidays), but keep at it. The more you stick to the habit, the more it becomes second nature for your child when it comes to brushing and flossing their teeth. Then it becomes easier to know that your child has a good habit of keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
Tip 5 - Positive Reinforcement
What motivates your child? If its stickers, make a reward chart and let him add one every time he brushes. If he’s a reader, let him pick out the bedtime story. Maybe it’s as simple as asking to see that healthy smile, saying “I’m so proud of you” and following up with a huge high five.
Here are some charts you can use
Teeth Brushing Chart
tip 6 - Important Characters Matter
Whether its their older sibling, their best friend, favourite aunt or uncle or their favourite cartoon character - these can all play a part into helping your child want to brush and floss their teeth. Who is the character your child can’t get enough of? Many children’s shows and books, including Peppa Pig and Sesame Street, have stories about brushing. Watch and read them together, so when it’s time to brush you can use that character as a good example.
We have a selection of kids books for you to read with your child in our waiting room at Capstone Dental Seven Hills. Our principal dentist Dr Ken hand selected the books for our children patients and their parents to read.
TIP 7 - Create a Story
Haven’t found a story or character to inspire your child? Be creative and make up your own. Your child just might be the only superhero who can brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.
Tip 8 - Go Shopping
Let your child pick out his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste. We provide a variety of Japanese made adults and children’s toothbrushes available for $3 each or 4 for $10
tip 9 - Make Brushing a Family Affair
Monkey see. Monkey do. If you have a young toddler, get them to watch you brush your teeth carefully every day. It’s amazing how far watching and learning from your parents can go for children. They follow your habits and observe everything you say and do. Your children learn from you, so set a good example. The family that brushes together has even more reason to smile.
Other Links
VIsit Sesame Street’s Health Teeth, Health Me website for a range of oral hygiene and brushing resources for children