The Better To Eat With: 3 Ways To Get Kids Excited About Brushing Their Teeth

Getting kids excited about brushing their teeth can seem like an impossible dream for many parents. Children may try anything to get out of the nightly chore, but it's not necessary to resort to begging and bribing kids to get them to take care of their dental health. Try these ideas to get your kids not only ready and willing to brush their teeth, but also happy about doing so!

Offer a Reward System

Always offer heaps of praise on children who brush their teeth well. This may be all the reward a very young child is seeking, but offering other rewards can help make kids want to stick to brushing their teeth regularly. You may set up a chart with each child's name on it, then put a star sticker next to their name for each part of the dental care routine they do well each night. When a child gets 10 stars, you may then offer a reward, such as the chance to skip a chore or a small prize from a "treasure chest" of stickers or small trinkets.

Make Brushing a Part of a Fun Routine

While adults may daydream about living impulsively, children need routines in order to thrive. Set up a fun bedtime routine that starts with dental care and then continues with a few other activities before it's time for sleep. Brushing, flossing, and swishing with mouthwash may be followed with story time, a small dance party with everyone in their pajamas, watching a short video online, going for a short walk, or another fun activity that all family members can enjoy together.

Play Special Teeth-Brushing Music

Kids are more likely to brush their teeth when it's something that's enjoyable. Amp up the fun factor by playing special music while they brush their teeth. You may make a short playlist that only gets played at this time of day. Possible songs include:

• "Can't Smile Without You" by Barry Manilow
• "Smile Away" by Paul McCartney
• "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" by the Broadway musical cast of "Annie"

Finally, keep in mind that the change in your child may not happen overnight. If one of these ways doesn't work, try another. Sometimes kids will respond to one technique, while others will jump at the chance to brush their teeth if you try another one. Keep at it, and you will soon have kids that are happy about taking care of their pearly whites. Click here to learn more about family dentistry.

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