How can I encourage my child to brush their teeth?
Dental care - a tiresome topic in many families! Children are often at loggerheads with brushing their teeth. Dental hygiene is often only done under duress or loud protest. Of course dental care is essential and even if it is "only" about the milk teeth, it is very important to care for them properly.
Here are a few tips for you on how to increase your motivation for dental care.
- "Better together than alone"
Of course, your child wants to brush their teeth by themselves - and they are allowed to! However, it makes sense if you are there. Your child will find cleaning more enjoyable if you make it a community activity. You also have control over whether and how your child brushes their teeth. You can also motivate them like this: "Now let's clean the chewing surfaces again, let's see which teeth are cleaner in the end"
- Let your child choose the equipment (toothbrush, toothpaste, cleaning cup)
If your child has items that appeal to them, they will be more likely to use them. This also increases your child's self-confidence. "You can choose your own toothbrush!". When it comes to toothpaste, your child may find some flavors gross or too spicy. Just try it out ;)
- It's easier with entertainment
It doesn't matter whether it's a song, a rhyme or a game - the selection of toothbrush motivation aids is almost limitless. Find something together that excites your child. There are even apps for this now.
- convey importance
Teach your child from an early age how important dental hygiene is! Explain things to him exactly and in detail, there are also a large number of books.
- "It's the final countdown"
Not quite - but children like to do things on time. Put an hourglass in the bathroom, set a timer, or always play a song and clean as long as it is playing.
- Learning on the model
Lead by example! Your child will learn a lot from you (as in all areas).
Always remember, no master has fallen from heaven and learning how to brush your teeth "properly" takes some time. As in many other areas, patience is required ;)
You can do that!
