Convincing your children to brush their teeth isn’t always easy. From kids who brush for ten seconds to small children who insist on doing it themselves, it is often hard to make sure your child’s teeth are cleaned correctly. To ensure your kids are getting the proper teeth cleaning at home, Kapolei Keiki Dental has some tips for you.

5 Home Teeth Cleaning Tips for Kids

1. Set a Timer

Dentists recommend children brush their teeth for a full two minutes. However, most children don’t brush that long. Setting a timer or playing a song that lasts two minutes is a great way to encourage kids to brush the full amount of time. You can also purchase toothbrushes that light up or play music the entire time kids should be brushing.

2. Have a Backup Toothbrush

For toddlers and younger children just starting to brush independently, investing in a second toothbrush is a good idea. This gives your child something to hold onto and occupy themselves with while you brush their teeth.

3. Brush Often

It is a good idea to introduce your child to the concept of brushing after every meal or after a sweet treat. It will help ensure their teeth are getting clean, especially if they are the ones doing the brushing, and instill some good oral hygiene habits for the rest of their lives.

4. Use a Themed Toothbrush

Kids love to see their favorite princesses, cartoon characters and superheroes on their clothes and backpacks, why not let them have one on their toothbrush? Getting your child involved in choosing their toothbrush and toothpaste will get them more excited to use them when they brush.

5. Play Dentist

After your children are finished brushing their teeth, call them into the “dentist’s office” for a quick check up. Toothbrush in hand, have your child open wide for one last scan of their teeth. Anything you think they might have missed can be taken care of by you right then and there.

Practicing good oral hygiene and teeth cleaning habits at home will benefit the dental health of your child and instill healthy habits for life. To schedule your child for teeth cleaning or a checkup in the Kapolei, Hawaii, area, contact the pediatric dentists at Kapolei Keiki Dental. Call (808) 944-1020 to set an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their services.