Buzz
If your child dreads brushing their teeth, try incorporating a song or inventing a fun game to make the experience enjoyable.
Peter Dazeley/Photographer's Choice/Getty ImagesConvincing kids to brush their teeth can often feel like a battle. Many children resist, preferring to cry, yell, or protest rather than clean their teeth. For some parents, the struggle might even make them consider skipping the routine altogether, especially since baby teeth are temporary and will eventually fall out.
While it's true that baby teeth are temporary, they play a crucial role in maintaining space for permanent teeth. Neglecting them can lead to painful and costly cavities, and poor dental health in primary teeth can affect the alignment of future adult teeth.
Experienced parents understand that turning an activity into a battle is the quickest way to make kids lose interest. Instead, embrace your inner entertainer—whether as a clown, singer, or whatever it takes—to make brushing your children's teeth both enjoyable and effective. Since young kids lack the motor skills to brush thoroughly, you'll need to assist them until they're around 5 or 6 years old. Why not make it a fun experience for everyone involved?
Discover on the next page how you can use a classic Atari game to teach your child the significance of brushing their teeth.
5: Digital Dental
With children spending a significant amount of time watching TV, it's no surprise that many kids' programs incorporate educational themes, including the importance of dental care. Networks such as Nickelodeon and PBS often enhance their lessons with online games or activities, offering kids a hands-on way to learn. In a world where even Spongebob has a cavity-fighting game, you're bound to find online resources that boost your child's interest in brushing their teeth. Many of these games are backed by dental hygiene companies aiming to promote both healthy smiles and their products.
Making dental care fun isn't a modern concept! Released in 1983, "Tooth Protectors" for the Atari 2600 is now a collector's item. However, it's hard to find due to its limited release by Johnson and Johnson, the makers of Crest.
4: Get Musical
While it may seem silly, singing to your child can make brushing their teeth something they look forward to.
Jonathan Kirn/Photodisc/Getty ImagesChildren are naturally drawn to music, even if the tunes aren't exactly appealing to adults. If your little one resists brushing, try tapping into your inner pop star to make the process more enjoyable. Many parents create their own toothbrushing songs or adapt popular melodies to encourage their kids to clean their teeth. For example, if your child loves Dora the Explorer, tweak her theme song to include dental hygiene tips. If kids' music isn't your thing, feel free to rewrite a more parent-friendly song—think "Smells Like Clean Spirit" for a laugh.
3: Storytime
If your child resists brushing their teeth, try adding a touch of imagination—like a Superman cape or a toothbrush-shaped lightsaber to help their favorite hero defeat tooth monsters.
Since you know your child best, dive into creative storytelling to motivate them to brush. Invent tales about cavity monsters or other exciting scenarios. If storytelling isn't your strength, explore free online interactive stories or check out books on dental care at your local library or bookstore.
Replace your child's toothbrush every three months, when it shows wear, or after they've been sick—whichever happens first.
2: Time It
You don't need an elaborate timer to track how long your children brush their teeth.
Creative Crop/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesBrushing for two minutes—one minute for the top teeth and one for the bottom—is essential. However, in a child's mind, a minute feels like 10 seconds, making it hard for them to clean effectively. Parents of younger kids should assist to ensure the full time is spent brushing.
For older children, a bit of technology can help. Use a kitchen timer, stopwatch, or similar device to track one minute for the top teeth and another for the bottom. For a more advanced option, consider toothbrushes that play songs or light up for the recommended two minutes.
1: Friendly Competition
Siblings are naturally competitive, so channel their rivalry into a daily tooth-brushing challenge.
Stephen Simpson/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesTransform your kids' bathroom into a playful battleground during brushing time. Siblings can compete against each other or a parent in a fun cavity-fighting showdown. Tiffany Gore from Atlanta motivates her 3-year-old twins with a bit of friendly competition every morning and night.
"They enjoy hunting and defeating sugar bugs," says Gore. "They compete to see who can eliminate the most. Whatever gets the job done, right?"
To try this at home, encourage the competition and declare a winner after each session. Offer a sticker, hand stamp, or small prize to the winner, or let them enjoy bragging rights until the next round. Ensure everyone gets a chance to win occasionally, so no one feels left out.
