One of our most common difficulties we hear (and experience) from and as parents, is getting our children to brush their teeth.
Therefore we have put together our top tips for getting children to brush a little more bearable.
1. Timer
Something as simple as an egg timer can work really well (particularly for slightly older children). Similarly to adults, children are recommended to brush for 2 minutes twice per day.
This takes us on to our next tip:
2. Youtube Videos or songs
There are some great toothbrushing songs on Youtube that are FREE and simple to use.
For example, A personal favourite that worked for my family (Dannielle) is the Hey Duggee song; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oStaJTHgHMU
As for older children a song may work better, they can choose one that they like and simply follow the song time stamp.
These songs can regularly be changed up to keep your children interested.
Above all it may sound very simple – but give it a try, It really does work!
3. Using an App
If there was ever a great time for use of a device.
Thankfully there are some great Apps out there designed to help children to brush.
Our favourite is the OralB Disney Magic timer. You can download it on App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/disney-magic-timer-by-oral-b/id747541884
4. Letting them choose a toothbrush
Sometimes the most simple things is all that it takes!
For instance, I personally recommend the Oral B Childrens electric toothbrush. We currently have the Disney Frozen themed one, that children can customise with a choice of stickers.
5. Rewards Chart
A good ‘old-fashioned’ rewards chart can sometimes be the way to go.
All children are different and respond better to different methods. Sometimes something as simple as a rewards chart can work wonders.
6. Regular visits to the dentist (and once the adult teeth are coming in) hygienist.
Having that constant reminder and conversation with the dentist and hygienist can be a great motivator for children to look after their teeth. Particularly older children.
Here at Aloe Vera Dental Studio we recommend children that have most of their adult teeth, or many of there adult teeth coming through to see the hygienist. That one – to – one interaction can have such a great impact.
The hygienist recommends the children to bring along their tooth brush so that she can give some tips and advice on how they are using it.
To find out more about our hygienist appointments; https://www.aloeveradental.co.uk/dental-hygienist/
7. Disclosing tablets
The little chewable tablets that stain all the plaque on your teeth, which you then have to brush away.
Using these once in a while can be a great way to monitor your child’s brushing.
8.Imitation
For very young children, brushing your teeth at the same time can really help. Children love to copy!
You can make it into a competition of ‘who can brush the longest’, and really show them by example how it’s done.
Additionally It is recommended that children have supervision and help brushing until the age of 7. It can be helpful to let your child brush first, and then finish off the clean for them to make sure that each area has been brushed.
To book in a children’s check – up or hygiene appointment, please give a member of our team a call on 01245 357735