Ah, the joys of being a parent. You are truly your child’s teacher in life, with absolutely everything. One thing you’re probably in charge of doing. Showing them dental hygiene. It’s a difficult thing to do if you don’t know where to start. It might seem like a simple task, but for someone who’s never done it before, it’s a whole new world. Then there’s making them want to do it! Thankfully, Brusheez, a dental hygiene company with years of experience in this helped us create an insider guide on what to do. Brusheez is no stranger to this difficult rite of passage and has come up with some tips and tricks to help you and your tot ease into proper dental hygiene that they’ve shared with us! Keep reading for more tips and tricks.
How to Get Your Toddler to Learn to Brush Their Teeth
1) Let Your Toddler Do It On Their Own
According to Brusheez, giving your toddler a sense of control and choice is the way to go. They love to be in charge and have authority. Let them choose their toothbrush and even make it a favorite accessory of theirs. It’s an amazing way to make sure they love brushing their teeth. Brusheez also says to, “Narrow down the options to create the perception of autonomous decision-creating anticipation and excitement over a new activity. Brusheez electric toothbrushes come in fun and colorful characters.”
2) Kiddo See, Kiddo Do
If you’re doing it, they’re going to copy you. Now add the activity of a lifelong healthy habit, and it’s a good thing for them to mimic. According to Brusheez, “young ones are eager to be like mom and dad so make brushing time an event for the whole family and model healthy habits. Help new brushers build the dentist-recommended brushing habits by making daily brushing a special activity to do with a parent or a game to play with an older sibling.” Make sure they rinse and brush long enough!
3) Time to Entertain
Just like exercise, entertainment is key to make the time pass by a little faster. You can sing a song, play a video, or read a book while your child is brushing their teeth.
4) Clean Teeth = Prizes
What do you usually do when you need your child to do something they don’t want to do? Give them a reward! According to Brusheez, you can “provide positive reinforcement and incentives to keep your kid coming back for more. A trip to the park, a favorite snack, or extra playtime are all-powerful motivators.” Your child will end up wanting to brush their teeth more often.
5) Brusheez is Here to Help
We personally love the Brusheez toothbrush. Because it was designed to include everything a parent and child need to begin creating a life-long oral hygiene routine, it’s perfect for our toddler. Here are some of the incredible features.
- A battery-operated toothbrush that removes 2 times more plaque than a manual toothbrush.
- A fun and colorful character to keep your child engaged
- A sand timer and rinse cup to hit the recommended 2-minute brushing time and an easy way to rinse.
- A convenient stand that sits easily on a countertop or can be mounted to suit your bathroom needs.
- Brusheez will help even the most stubborn kid race you to the bathroom to brush their teeth.