Ways to Get Kids Excited About Brushing Their Teeth

Ah, it’s November, meaning we’re just weeks away from the holidays and lively celebrations. But somewhere in your home, surely, a stash of trick-or-treated Halloween goodies still haunts you.

What if we told you that you and your family could enjoy forthcoming holiday treats and your stash of Halloween candy without risking your oral health? Here are some ways to get kids excited about brushing their teeth.

1. Start oral hygiene early

The earlier you can put healthy habits in place, the better. Since many kids follow by example, try to brush your own teeth where your little ones can see you. Even if they don’t have their own teeth to brush yet or the dexterity to do it on their own, watching their parent brush their teeth might just condition them to want to do it.

2. Equip them with the right tools

Go on a mini shopping haul and let your little ones pick out their own oral hygiene tools. They can pick out their favourite cartoon character-themed tools, or colour-code them. Some good tool options to start off with are:

• An electric toothbrush (as it does some of the work for them)
• An electric toothbrush with a musical timer
• Plaque revealing mouthwash
• A tongue scraper

Once your little ones have enough dexterity and comfort with brushing, you can try incorporating children’s dental floss into their routine.

3. Be an exemplary role model

As we mentioned earlier, promoting good oral hygiene to your kids starts with you. Develop a routine, ensure your little ones are aware of it and encourage everyone in the home to stick to it. Though developing and promoting a strict routine can be time-consuming or tiring, strong oral health and reduced dental bills make it so worth it.

4. Turn it into a game or a musical activity

Luckily, there are many printable, watchable, or listenable games and songs available on the internet that get kids excited about brushing their teeth. With fun tools like a musical electric toothbrush or a plaque-revealing rinse, combined with a game or musical activity, you might be shocked at how fast your kids warm up to take care of their teeth.

5. Create a rewards system

A rewards system often helps us hold our little ones accountable through positive reinforcement. Create a tracking system for your little ones’ oral health. (Just ensure the prizes aren’t Halloween candy!)

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Kinder Buddies Oakville Child Care is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.