How to Teach Kids to Brush Their Teeth

Until your kids are about 6 years old, you will probably have to brush their teeth for them. After that, though, it will be up to them to do it on their own. Teaching kids to brush their teeth is not always an easy part of parenting, but it's something that must be done. To make the process a little easier on you and your kids, try following the suggestions below.

Being Practical

1. Brush your kids' teeth for them to demonstrate how to do it properly. Then let them to do it by themselves to prove how "grown up" they are. Continue doing this for as many days or weeks as is necessary for proper instruction.

2.  Demonstrate proper tooth brushing by having your child watch as you brush your own teeth. Then let your child brush your teeth also. Laugh and make it a fun event, showing your child how pleasant tooth brushing can be.

3.  Explain to your kids what happens when they don't brush their teeth. Tell them about plaque and the germs that will eat away at their teeth if they don't brush. Many kids will respond positively when presented with this information in a rational, grown-up way.

4.  Give your child a tablet to chew that will turn areas on the teeth colorful that have not been properly brushed. This technique will clearly show your child the effects of not brushing properly and motivate him or her to brush more thoroughly.

5.  Use consistently good dental hygiene yourself. Your children, eager to emulate their much-loved parent, will follow suit.

Making it Fun

1.  Recommend to your kids that they brush their doll's teeth. This will incorporate play with practical instruction, and it will also put them in the "parent" role of tooth brushing, making them feel a little more important.

2.  Inspire your kids to brush their teeth by making it a fun activity rather than a chore. Invent a game or a song to accompany tooth brushing. Show enthusiasm so that brushing their teeth is something your kids will want to do.

3.  Take turns brushing teeth with your child and you or older siblings. Let your child brush for 10 seconds or so, praise him or her, then brush your own teeth for 10 seconds. This allows parent-child interaction while giving your child the autonomy he or she wants.

4.  Buy a selection of three or four toothbrushes when first teaching kids to brush their teeth. Let them select which toothbrush they want to use each time. This way your kids will feel like they have some control over the situation.

5.  Consider buying an electric toothbrush for your kids. This will make brushing easier and more enjoyable for them, and it is more effective than manual brushing.

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