Strategies to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

Encouraging children to maintain good dental hygiene can be a challenge for many parents. However, with some creative approaches, you can make the process enjoyable and effective. Here are some tips to help you out:

Opt for Fruit-Flavored Fluoride Toothpaste:

Some children dislike the strong mint taste of conventional toothpaste. Consider using fruit-flavoured fluoride toothpaste or even a non-flavoured toothpaste such as Ora Nurse. This can make brushing a more enjoyable experience for your child while still providing essential dental care.

Use the Right Amount of Toothpaste:

For children aged two and older, a ‘pea-sized’ amount of toothpaste is sufficient. For those under two, use just a ‘smear’ to ensure they receive the right level of fluoride protection.

Choose Toothbrushes with Small Heads:

Always select toothbrushes with small heads for children. This ensures they can comfortably reach all areas of their mouth, making their brushing routine more effective.

Introduce Fun Incentives:

Consider implementing a rewards system, using sticker charts, or even creating a catchy song to motivate your child to brush their teeth. There are even some YouTube cartoons which have “Tooth brushing” songs which are really fun! Try brushing their teeth along to the song. Making it a fun activity can transform it into a positive habit.

Get the rest of the family involved:

If children see parents or siblings brushing their teeth they will most likely want to join in too. Try brushing your teeth all together as a family so they can see how normal it is.

Utilize a Toothbrush Timer App:

Make brushing time more exciting by downloading a Toothbrush Timer app. These apps often come with engaging visuals and sounds to keep children engaged throughout the two-minute brushing session.

Challenge with an Egg Timer:

Add an element of competition by using a big egg timer. See who can keep brushing until the two-minute timer runs out. This not only makes brushing interactive but also helps in building consistency.

Encouraging your child to brush their teeth doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. By incorporating these tips and creative approaches, you can turn dental hygiene into an enjoyable routine that sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Read more to find out about Children’s Dentistry at Larkham House.

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Laura Johnson

19:36 24 Oct 22

Very friendly staff! I suffer with anxiety and every time I have an appointment the dentist is very patient and goes through everything to make sure I am OK and not too nervous. The dentist nurses, particularly Rachel is amazing! Especially with my children when they come in makes me feel at ease!

Teresa Floyd

08:16 21 Aug 22

Had a referral from Seven Trees as I had severe dental painI am a very nervous patient however the service I received was outstanding from the minute I arrived to the minute I left and no more tooth painThank you so much

Christine Boyle

20:10 07 Apr 22

Had an appointment with Clohe yesterday and I can't praise her enough. So thorough and nothing was too much trouble for her. She was very caring and cosiderat e I felt relaxed and nothing was too much of a problem for her too deal with. My appointment was not rushed .

Adam Davie

19:59 10 Oct 21

From the offset call confirming my appointment this dental practice experience was five star compared to dentist based Midlands . Front desk staff / nurses excellent giving me the reassurance that I was booked in with a great dentist as I personally have a fear of the dentist being in my late 30s . After my review etc with the dentist it was forgone conclusion that a full on extraction was required the dentist himself was unbelievable reassuring excellent service total professionalism which I haven’t come across recently, great team whom care about the patient journey I most certainly didn’t just feel like a number under their care . Thank you to all staff at Larkham House Dental Practice.

Anthony Grave

20:07 12 May 21

Very good

brian rogers

16:08 18 Mar 21

On the 18/3/21 I had 2 extractions From the outset the staff were very friendly helpful and very professional the Dentist was brilliant I never felt hardly any of the extractions I will definitely use a again excellent service thank you...

Strategies to Encourage Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

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