5 Ways to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Dr. Lucia Gerstmann, Dr. Marlina Shah, DDS. Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry. Special Needs/Sensory Dentistry, General Anesthesia in a Comfortable Setting, Infant Oral Health, Smile Whitening, Extractions, Accident & Injury Services. Pediatric Dentist in Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.
father brushes teeth with daughter Dr. Lucia Gerstmann, Dr. Marlina Shah, DDS. Buckeye Pediatric Dentistry. Special Needs/Sensory Dentistry, General Anesthesia in a Comfortable Setting, Infant Oral Health, Smile Whitening, Extractions, Accident & Injury Services. Pediatric Dentist in Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration In Kids?

A bright, healthy smile is a vital asset for kids as they grow and develop. However, parents often find themselves concerned when they notice discoloration on their child’s teeth. Tooth discoloration in kids is not uncommon and can appear as white spots, brown or dark areas, or take on a

Read More »

A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Kids’ Teeth

As parents, we know that our children’s well-being is our top priority, and one crucial aspect of their health is their oral care. From the very first baby tooth to the emergence of a confident grin, each stage of dental development plays a vital role in kids’ overall health, development,

Read More »

Schedule Your Kid’s Back-to-School Dental Visit 

Welcome back, busy parents! As the summer days draw to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, we know you have a lot on your plate. Between shopping for school supplies and getting those new backpacks ready, it’s easy to overlook one essential aspect of your child’s well-being – their

Read More »

5 Ways to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Getting your kids to take care of their teeth can be hard, especially if they don’t enjoy the process of brushing. Children may brush their teeth because you tell them to, but that doesn’t mean they won’t put up a fight or do it haphazardly when you’re not looking. Your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg knows just how important it is to get kids to brush their teeth on a regular basis. But if they can’t be convinced that it’s fun to do, they can miss out on the benefits of good oral hygiene. To help you along with this important responsibility, here are five ways to make tooth brushing fun for kids.

Brush Together

Joining your kids side-by-side at the sink during brushing time can help them brush more effectively. Brushing together can increase brushing time (aim for 2 minutes) and make kids less likely to neglect a part of their mouth or miss an area. Even when your children are older, brushing with them can help foster healthy habits and create good memories between you two.

Give Rewards

Several studies have shown, and your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg agrees, that dental care is often neglected by children who don’t recognize brushing and flossing as anything other than a necessary chore. However, a little creativity goes a long way toward making kids more likely to practice proper dental hygiene as they get older. Reward kids with small tokens such as a sticker chart. Once the chart is full, give your child a small gift such as an allowance or the ability to pick out a toy at the store.

Practice on Others

When a child is nervous about his first dental visit, your pediatric dentist may recommend that you play dentist at home. Simply allowing your child to be the dentist and their toy of choice to be the patient can make dentistry fun. The same thought can be used to make brushing more fun. Have your child use a clean toothbrush to show you how they would care for their toys’ teeth. Laugh and have a great time playing make-believe, and when it comes time for the real brushing, it should be a breeze.

Make it a Game

Another fun way to make brushing more than a boring chore is to make it into a game. You could play some music and dance while brushing your teeth with your little one. There’s even an app that has properly timed music, so you both know when to start and stop.

Start Early

One of the best ways to get your child used to teeth cleanings is to start early. Even before their first tooth appears, you should gently wipe their gums with a damp cloth after each feeding. Keeping this routine can help them adjust to brushing their teeth as they’ll be used to the feeling of something in their mouth. Additionally, make sure your child sees your pediatric dentist in Reynoldsburg no later than their first birthday.

A clean mouth is a happy mouth, and sometimes half the battle is giving children the chance to be happy to brush. Try the tips above, and if you still have trouble, talk with your pediatric dentist for more advice.

Skip to content