How to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

Children don't always like brushing their teeth, but if you can motivate them with a rewards program, they will be brushing on their own. A simple chart, a kitchen timer, and lots of praise is all you'll need to get started.

Make a tooth brushing chart by drawing a grid of boxes with seven columns and three rows. The seven columns are the days of the week and three rows are for morning, noon, and night. After your kids brush, draw a star in the box or place a sticker in the box to show their progress.

Once your child has completed the chart at the end of the week, reward them. You may want to give them their favorite snack, purchase an inexpensive toy, or take them to the library. Whatever you choose to reward them with, make it a big deal and tell your child that it's because he or she is a big kid and did a great job brushing their teeth all week. Let them know how proud you are by giving lots of hugs after every brushing.

If our child is not brushing his or her teeth as long as you prefer, then use a kitchen timer to help them. Inform your child that once the buzzer rings they can stop brushing. Dentists say that two minutes is the appropriate time length for brushing teeth properly. You may need to build your child up to that time if they get sidetracked or bored.

You can also teach them how to brush by modeling. Brushing with them is a great way to let them see you do this chores and will encourage them to brush. When children are young, they want to be like their parents, so let them see that you have great dental hygiene and they will want to be like you.

Teach your child about good dental hygiene by showing them what can happen if they don't brush their teeth. Show them pictures of people with decaying teeth and tell your child that this is what happens when you don't brush.

Purchase a cool toothbrush that plays music or has a favorite cartoon character on it. If your child is a toddler, buy toothpaste just for him or her that is okay to swallow. Orajel makes a certain kind of toothpaste that kids can swallow and tastes great.

Good dental hygiene is important at an early age. Starting your child early can lead to a life of good brushing habits. Your child will also love the chart to see his or her progress and will love the rewards system.