Brushing teeth properly is crucial in establishing consistent brushing habits and good dental hygiene, which impacts a child's overall health. As a parent, you may be wondering how to teach your child how to brush their teeth the right way. Helping them brush properly is simply not enough. The ultimate goal is to teach your child how to brush their teeth independently, so their own healthy habits can form and last a lifetime!
Here are some tips on how to help your kids get off to a good start so they can brush their teeth independently!
Simon Says!
Children learn by observation and imitation. It's essential to engage in good brushing behaviors yourself, even when you don't think your kids are watching, so they can pick up on your habits. When you brush your teeth twice a day, your child will see your dedication and consistency to these behaviors and will start to do the same.
Keep Kids Engaged With the Task
If your child finds brushing their teeth boring, they'll have no interest in doing it, and you'll have to watch over them. However, if kids are engaged and immersed in the task, they'll be interested in doing it on their own for the recommended two minutes!
We recommend allowing your child to watch something that lasts a full two minutes. That way, they'll be entertained and can independently participate in the task of brushing. All Toothbrush Toy characters come with a two-minute animated story for kids to watch while brushing, keeping them engaged and interested!
Another way to make brushing fun is to make it into a game by giving your child a sticker or another small reward each time they brush their teeth without being reminded. By making tooth brushing a positive activity with positive reinforcement, children are more likely to look forward to the task and develop good dental hygiene habits on their own.
Practice Makes Perfect
You can't expect your child to perfect the task of brushing their teeth overnight, especially when they're first getting started. Make sure you allow your child time to practice brushing with you before expecting them to do it on their own.
Brushing together is a great way to practice and give helpful tips and advice for proper brushing habits. Avoid getting mad or angry at your child, as it will only discourage them. Encouraging your child will bring the best brushing results so they’ll have the confidence to brush on their own!
Final Thoughts
Teaching your child how to brush their teeth independently is an important task, but it can be fun and rewarding for both you and your child.
By following these tips, you can help your child develop good brushing habits that will last a lifetime. Remember to be patient and make it fun, so your child will look forward to brushing their teeth independently!
Establishing good dental habits early on is essential for lifelong oral health, and with a bit of creativity and help, you can make teeth brushing a positive experience for your kids! Visit ToothbrushToys.com and find your child’s new favorite toothbrush today! Make sure to check out our two minute animated stories included with each brush, and subscribe to our newsletter for special offers, blogs, and more!