As parents, many of us have faced the daily battle of trying to get our kids to brush their teeth. Whether it’s the distraction of toys, tiredness at bedtime, or just plain defiance, brushing can often turn into a power struggle. Yet, good oral hygiene is crucial for kids, as it sets the foundation for lifelong dental health.
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions in kids, affecting about 20 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 11. This makes it even more essential to teach your child the importance of brushing their teeth regularly.
If your child won’t brush their teeth, there are a few ways you can establish this healthy habit, making it fun, engaging, and stress-free for both you and your child.
1. Start Early and Make It Routine
Building any healthy habit, including tooth brushing, is much easier when you start early. As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, you should begin cleaning it with a soft brush or cloth. When kids get used to this routine early on, it becomes part of their daily life and less of a struggle as they grow.
Creating a structured routine helps make brushing less of a decision and more of an expected part of the day. For example:
- Brush teeth after breakfast and before bedtime every day.
- Make it a family activity, so everyone brushes their teeth together.
- Establishing these routines creates predictability, which helps reduce resistance over time.
2. Make Brushing Fun with Rewards and Games
For younger children especially, brushing their teeth doesn’t have to be boring or a chore. Turn it into an exciting part of the day by introducing games and rewards. Here are some ideas:
- Use a Timer: Use a two-minute sand timer or a fun toothbrushing app that plays a song for two minutes, encouraging your child to brush the entire time. The music and countdown give kids something to focus on, and they’ll enjoy the challenge of brushing until the song ends.
- Sticker Charts: A sticker chart can motivate kids to brush twice a day. For every successful brush, let them place a sticker on the chart. After a week of consistent brushing, reward them with a small prize or a fun outing.
- Role-Playing: Encourage your child’s imagination by making up a story where they are the hero defeating the “cavity monsters” with their toothbrush. Let them imagine they’re protecting their teeth from these imaginary foes with every brush.
Making brushing fun can turn a dreaded task into something they look forward to.
3. Let Your Child Choose Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Giving children choices, even small ones, can make them feel empowered and more willing to participate in the activity. Bring your child to the shop and let them choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste.
Kids love toothbrushes featuring their favourite cartoon characters or bright colours. Similarly, choosing a toothpaste with a flavour they enjoy can make brushing more pleasant. For example, many children prefer fruity or bubblegum-flavoured toothpaste over traditional minty ones, which can be too strong for young taste buds.
By letting them make these choices, you’re giving them ownership over their oral hygiene, which increases their engagement and willingness to brush.
4. Lead by Example
Kids are natural imitators. If they see you brushing your teeth diligently, they are more likely to follow suit. Make brushing a family event where everyone brushes together in the morning and at night. You can even have a “toothbrushing party,” where everyone gets involved at the same time, turning it into a bonding moment rather than a solitary chore.
You can also narrate the process for your child while brushing your own teeth:
- “Look at me, I’m brushing all the way in the back to make sure no sugar bugs are left!”
- “I’m using nice round motions to make my teeth super shiny!”
This gives them a visual and verbal cue to follow along, making brushing less intimidating.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement and Avoid Power Struggles
It’s easy for teeth brushing to become a battle of wills, especially if your child is defiant or strong-willed. However, turning it into a power struggle can make it an even harder task over time. Instead of forcing or scolding your child, try to remain calm and positive. Praise them for every attempt, no matter how small.
For instance:
- “I love how you brushed all by yourself today!”
- “Wow, you did such a great job getting all the sugar bugs off your teeth.”
Children respond well to positive reinforcement and will likely be more motivated to continue if they feel proud of their efforts.
6. Teach Your Child About the Importance of Oral Health
Children may not understand why brushing their teeth is important. Instead of simply telling them they have to brush, teach them the reasons behind it in a kid-friendly way. Explain that brushing keeps their teeth strong, prevents “sugar bugs” (plaque) from making holes (cavities) in their teeth, and keeps their breath fresh. You can also show them pictures of cavities and talk about how dentists help people who don’t brush enough.
Some educational tools you can use include:
- Books about dental health: There are several children’s books that explain tooth care in a fun, relatable way.
- Videos: Short educational videos on dental health can help kids understand the importance of brushing.
When kids know why they’re brushing, it can increase their motivation and willingness to do it without complaint.
Dealing with kids who don’t want to brush their teeth can be frustrating, but it’s important to approach the issue with patience and creativity. By incorporating fun games, allowing them to make choices, and using positive reinforcement, you can help your child establish a healthy brushing routine that will benefit them throughout their life.