Monkey See, Monkey Do! How to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth and Make It a Habit
As a parent, you probably care about your children’s teeth. And, maybe, you feel the overwhelm of seeing social media influencers seeming to have it all together with their kiddos’ bright smiles and healthy habits. (Let’s face it, not everyone has it all together …) Maybe you’ve even asked yourself, “How do I encourage my child to brush their teeth without frustration and make it a habit?” At KidSmiles, we understand the struggle of teaching kids the importance of dental hygiene. Many parents worry about cavities and gum disease, but creating a fun and easy-to-implement brushing routine can change all that! The last thing you want to do after a long day is wrestle your child to get them to brush their teeth!
Here’s Where You Come In – Follow the Leader
It’s simple. Children mimic their parents, so if you aren’t brushing yours, they aren’t brushing theirs. Make tooth brushing a family affair. Brush your teeth alongside your child, demonstrating the how while showing enthusiasm and encouragement! Remember when Elle Woods said that exercise causes endorphins? Well, the same is true for positive reinforcement. Your child will become as excited as you are to brush their teeth.
Make Brushing Fun
Getting kids excited about brushing their teeth is also essential. Here are some ideas to make it a fun family game!
- Choose Fun Gear: Let your child pick out a colorful toothbrush and their favorite toothpaste flavor.
- Create a Routine: Establish a schedule—ideally, brushing twice daily after breakfast and before bed. Consistency helps reinforce the habit.
- The 21-Day Superhero Brush Challenge: Turn brushing into a game! Introduce a challenge where your child becomes a superhero dedicated to protecting their teeth. For 21 days of consistent brushing, they can earn superhero points on a fun chart.
- Daily Checklist: Download our free Superhero Brush Challenge, where your child can track their progress.
- Small Rewards: Celebrate milestones with little rewards, like stickers or extra playtime.
- Story Time: End the day with a fun story about a superhero’s quest for a bright smile, making toothbrushing relatable and exciting.
Super Hero’s Are Stars!
When your child completes the 21-day challenge, celebrate this achievement! Present them with a Super Smile Badge (click here), a tangible recognition of their commitment to dental health! Boost their confidence and encourage independence in their brushing habits.
That’s a Wrap!
Creating a habit of brushing will benefit your child’s oral health for life. By leading by example, making brushing fun, and implementing fun games, you can inspire your little one to embrace toothbrush time enthusiastically. Remember, when parents prioritize dental hygiene, they foster a lasting habit in their kids.
For more tips on keeping your child’s smile bright and healthy, contact us at KidSmiles!
PDF Game Idea: Superhero Brush Challenge
Create a downloadable PDF that includes:
- Superhero Brush Challenge Chart: A visual progress tracker for kids to mark their successful brushing days with stickers or checkmarks. Click HERE to download your own chart.
- Checklist: Include daily reminders to brush correctly, such as “Brush for 2 minutes” and “Don’t forget to floss!”
- Rewards Tracker: This is a section for parents to list small milestone rewards (e.g., stickers, extra playtime).
- Super Smile Badge: A printable badge that children earn for completing the 21-day challenge. Click HERE to download your own badge.
Request your child’s appointment at one of our locations, KidSmiles of Lake Conroe or KidSmiles of Huntsville, today!