3 Ways To Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids
Posted on November 22nd, 2024 | Christopher Neal
Does brushing time feel more like battle time at your house? You’re not alone— Many parents who visit our dental office share the same challenge. The good news is that with a few creative approaches, you can transform your child’s at-home dental care routine from a daily struggle into an activity they actually look forward to.
Practicing proper oral hygiene is key to your child’s short-term and long-term dental health. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to help make brushing teeth more fun at your house!
Teeth Brushing Tips To Build Healthy Dental Habits
1. Pretend, Play, & Listen to Music
The imagination is something all kids have and love to use. Using the power of pretend can turn brushing teeth into a game! Bare your teeth like a tiger, roar like a lion, or even pucker your lips like a fish to start the giggles. This will help your child look forward to brushing their teeth every morning and night, when mom or dad turns into a wild animal!
You can also bring a stuffed animal, doll, or action figure into the mix. Give your child a brush they can use to clean their toy’s big, bright smile while you help them clean their own. This can even create an opportunity to show your child how to apply good brushing techniques to their own routine.
During the day when it’s playtime, consider playing games that involve pretending to visit the dentist’s office or even being a dentist! This can add a new dimension to the concept of maintaining good dental health and get your child excited about caring for their teeth.
Finally, choose a 2 minute tooth brushing song. If your child has a favorite tune, play it when it’s time to brush, letting the end of the song be a signal to stop. You can even make up a funny dance to go along with it!
Finally, turn brushing time into story time. Your child’s toothbrush can be a superhero fighting off the “sugar bugs” that want to make holes in their teeth! Make sound effects and create character voices as they save their smile from villains.
2. Let Them Make Their Own Dental Care Choices
Many parents find that giving their child options helps them feel more excited about brushing their teeth. Letting them make age-appropriate choices about their dental care can boost their enthusiasm dramatically. Take them shopping for:
- A special toothbrush (maybe one shaped like their favorite animal or featuring a beloved cartoon character)
- Fun-flavored toothpaste (from classic mint to fruity flavors)
- Colorful dental flossers (these come in exciting colors and shapes that make flossing less of a chore)
When children take ownership over their dental care routine by choosing their own “tools,” they’re more likely to want to use them. Just remember to make sure all products have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval.
3. Make It a Family Event
Kids love to mirror their parents. Instead of sending them to brush alone, even if they’re old enough, make it a family activity. Brush your teeth alongside your children and turn it into a fun bonding moment. You can create simple games like “follow the leader” where you take turns leading different brushing moves, or have a “clean teeth contest” where everyone shows their bright smiles at the end.
Remember: Consistency is key! Whichever methods you choose, the key is to stick with them. Children thrive on routine, and what might seem silly to us as adults can become a cherished part of their daily schedule— and joyful childhood memories they’ll one day look back on with a healthy smile.
Visit Our Dental Office
Need more tips? At Chicago kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we’re always happy to share ideas for how to make dental hygiene more fun and effective. During your next visit to our office, don’t hesitate to ask our team for suggestions based on your child’s age and interests.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist you can count on for experienced, compassionate dental care, contact us at Chicago kiDDS. We take every opportunity to make dental appointments comfortable, fun, and engaging so patients are excited to come back! We also offer a range of dental services for kids of all ages, from infants to teenagers.
