Sometimes it can feel like an uphill battle when you're trying to get your kids to brush their teeth.
Kids who aren’t encouraged to keep their pearly whites in tip top condition often go on to have dental dilemmas later in life – and that means major dents in your wallet.
Here are a few handy ways to get your kids into good dental habits…
Start early
While you can wipe new baby teeth clean with a soft cloth, toddlers who are used to having their teeth brushed tend to me more open to brushing their own teeth later on. With that in mind, try to instil the habit in the early years.
Educate
It’s hard to get a child to do something ‘boring’ if they don’t see the point. That’s why it’s a good idea to tell your child why caring for their teeth matters. You might even get your dentist to give them a quick demonstration at the next check-up.
Lead by example
Kids pay attention to what you do much more than what you say, so let your child see you brushing yours, or better still, just do your brushing together. If you can get your child to keep scrubbing away for two minutes, that’s good going.
Taste matters
Lots of kids don’t like the taste of mint, so it’s a good idea to buy flavoured kids’ toothpaste. No, it won’t be suitable past a certain age, but at least it will get them into the habit of brushing. And as they get older, they’ll be more open to different flavours anyway.
Let them choose
Kids are naturally more interested in things if they’re allowed to be actively involved in it somehow. With that in mind, bring your child with you to the supermarket and let them choose their favourite toothbrush. Yes, they’ll probably choose the most expensive thing there, but it will pay off in the end if it means they use it.
Give rewards
Reward charts are a great way to motivate kids to do things, including brushing their teeth. if they manage to brush for the full two minutes, give them a sticker etc. It’s also an easy way for you to keep track of their daily brushing.
Make it fun
All mums know that making things fun is the key to getting kids to do pretty much anything!
Have your own game, such as who can make the most bubbles/foam, or enlist the help of an open-mouthed stuffed toy. You can buy special 'dental teddies', such as this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gund-Brushing-Buddy-Animated-20-5cm/dp/B00DGQQVPS/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1464700489&sr=8-4&keywords=brush+your+teeth+bear.
