Are you struggling with children resisting tooth brushing? It’s important to help children understand from an early age that looking after their teeth and gums is just as important as eating well.
Here are some ways that might help you if your child is resisting tooth brushing:
Start early, by introducing healthy tooth habits early children are more inclined to carry on as they grow and are able to brush their teeth independently.
A good way to start before teeth erupt is wiping your child’s gums with a clean damp washcloth.
Let kids know what to expect. By helping them understand what tooth brushing is all about it can help calm any nerves they might have. Read books together, talk about how the bristles of the brush might tickle.
Lead by example. Inviting your child to watch you clean your teeth is a great way to help them understand visually how to brush their own teeth. You could even make it a game.
Use positive reinforcement. Try a sticker reward chart to help your child visualize their achievement!
Give them some independence. Encourage them to try it on their own first and follow up with mom or dad’s turn.
Make a special trip to the dentist! If your child is having a hard time, we have extensive experience with kids of all ages and can help, call our Kits office today and we would be more than happy to help.
If you are still having trouble encouraging your child to age-appropriately brush their teeth, reach out today. The staff at our Kits office have extensive experience working with children. Call or book online today. We recommend a dentist visit for children as young as six months (or when their first tooth erupts).
