How to Teach Kids to Brush Their Teeth
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How to Teach Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Introduction
Until your kids are about 6 years old, you will probably have to brush their teeth for them. After that, though, it will be up to them to do it on their own. Teaching kids to brush their teeth is not always an easy part of parenting, but it's something that must be done. To make the process a little easier on you and your kids, try following the suggestions below.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Being Practical
Steps
1
Step One
Brush your kids' teeth for them to demonstrate how to do it properly. Then let them to do it by themselves to prove how "grown up" they are. Continue doing this for as many days or weeks as is necessary for proper instruction.
2
Step Two
Demonstrate proper tooth brushing by having your child watch as you brush your own teeth. Then let your child brush your teeth also. Laugh and make it a fun event, showing your child how pleasant tooth brushing can be.
3
Step Three
Explain to your kids what happens when they don't brush their teeth. Tell them about plaque and the germs that will eat away at their teeth if they don't brush. Many kids will respond positively when presented with this information in a rational, grown-up way.
4
Step Four
Give your child a tablet to chew that will turn areas on the teeth colorful that have not been properly brushed. This technique will clearly show your child the effects of not brushing properly and motivate him or her to brush more thoroughly.
5
Step Five
Use consistently good dental hygiene yourself. Your children, eager to emulate their much-loved parent, will follow suit.
Making it Fun
Steps
1
Step One
Recommend to your kids that they brush their doll's teeth. This will incorporate play with practical instruction, and it will also put them in the "parent" role of tooth brushing, making them feel a little more important.
2
Step Two
Inspire your kids to brush their teeth by making it a fun activity rather than a chore. Invent a game or a song to accompany tooth brushing. Show enthusiasm so that brushing their teeth is something your kids will want to do.
3
Step Three
Take turns brushing teeth with your child and you or older siblings. Let your child brush for 10 seconds or so, praise him or her, then brush your own teeth for 10 seconds. This allows parent-child interaction while giving your child the autonomy he or she wants.
4
Step Four
Buy a selection of three or four toothbrushes when first teaching kids to brush their teeth. Let them select which toothbrush they want to use each time. This way your kids will feel like they have some control over the situation.
5
Step Five
Consider buying an electric toothbrush for your kids. This will make brushing easier and more enjoyable for them, and it is more effective than manual brushing.
Tips & Warnings
- It is important that you reiterate to your children the necessity of spitting out toothpaste rather than swallowing it, which can have negative side effects.
- Try using different flavors of toothpaste to discover which one your child prefers. Using a flavor that kids enjoy will motivate them to brush more than a flavor that they dislike.
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