Teaching your children proper oral hygiene, such as brushing twice and flossing once daily, helps prevent tooth decay. However, it’s not always easy to get kids to stick to a regular dental care regimen. Here are a handful of ways to make brushing more appealing to your young ones.

How to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

1. Let Them Choose Their Tools

Young children get excited about dental care when they have toothbrushes in bright colors and fun patterns. Allow your little ones to select brushes with their favorite animated characters or superheroes.

Additionally, let them use children’s toothpaste, which is available in sweet and inviting flavors like bubblegum and strawberry.

2. Brush Together

Lead by example and brush your teeth with your kids at the same time each morning and evening. While participating in the brushing ritual, give them pointers on how to brush effectively.

For example, instruct them to use circular motions while scrubbing to gently remove plaque and bacteria. A pediatric dentist can give you other tips that promote optimal oral health.

3. Offer Rewards

Rewards give children incentives to brush properly and stick with their dental care routine. Offer your kids more outdoor playtime after school or extra screen time before bedtime in exchange for brushing twice per day for a full week.

4. Use Fun Apps 

Pediatric dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes to loosen food residue and thoroughly clean all surfaces. There are apps that play family songs for two minutes to time the brushing experience and make it more fun.

There are also branded options that allow your kids to brush alongside animated characters from popular movies. These characters offer words of encouragement to keep children engaged for the full two minutes.

Keep your children’s smiles healthy with biannual cleanings from Four Corners Dental Group. With locations in Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, this pediatric dentist provides teeth cleanings, composite fillings, sealants, and other oral care services to kids and adults. Their compassionate staff will keep your little ones comfortable during their treatments. Call (907) 258-3384 to book an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about preventive dentistry.