4 Easy ways to get your children to brush their teeth

Waking up. Getting dressed. Eating breakfast. Brushing teeth. Getting ready for school. So many transitions in the morning and night, and so little time! If you’re stressed out with too much to do, try being a child and having to pay attention to all of this self care. It’s no wonder kids need to be reminded how to do the basics.

1. Let them pick out their own toothbrush. Even if it’s Elmo. Even if you personally hate the Ninja Turtles. Letting them choose is about empowering them to see brushing as their choice.

2. Reward good behavior. Do your children respond to sticker charts? How about a really enthusiastic high-five? (Let’s keep it simple). Sometimes, all you have to do is say: I’m proud of you for taking such good care of your teeth!

3. Talk to your kids about why. Here’s how we do it at Dr. Diesburg’s home. We tell them an epic story about the sugar bugs (bacteria in the mouth), and how they are trying to eat the sugar and food on their teeth! What do the sugar bugs then do? They actually poop out acid on the teeth, and the acid eats holes in the teeth (cavities). But look, here comes SUPER TOOTHBRUSH MAN, ready to brush it all away! You can write your own story, whatever will connect your kids with the idea that what they are doing is good for them.

4. Brush together. Kids want to be with you, and they want to do what you’re doing, so why not brush together? What’s the worst that could happen: You end up brushing twice?

We hope this list has been helpful for you. Any questions? Call us today to make an appointment for a free meet-and-greet with Dr. Diesburg! (503) 472-2222.