Tooth decay affects kids of all ages - yep, even those with hardly any teeth. With this knowledge, it can be incredibly frustrating when your child decides they won’t be brushing their teeth (especially as they don’t understand the consequences).
Instead of freaking out, try and reach them on their level and gain a deeper understanding. Here’s how to help them establish healthy habits that will see them through life.
Reward Good Behaviour
Rather than punishing your kids for not brushing, why not reward them instead? You don’t need to do anything extravagant for something so basic, but you can pick something suitable for their age and interests.
Younger kids might be more interested in brushing if there’s the prospect of being told a bedtime story. An older child might want to watch one more episode of their favourite show. That’s when you say yes, but only if they brush their teeth!
Incentivise Brushing
Star charts are a great way to foster independence in children. Start a system where your child can earn a star for brushing without being asked to.
When they reach an agreed number of stars, offer a prize. If you have two or more children, you can make this even better. Nothing is a better incentive than beating a brother or sister!
Make It Fun
A lot of kids don’t like brushing because it seems boring, unlike some of their other activities. It doesn’t need to be this way!
Play their favourite song while they’re brushing, and make it a party. If they’re young enough, you can be really silly with this, even making up your own words to encourage them while they’re doing it.
Give Your Child Choices
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you ask them whether they want to brush (ha, ha). However, giving your child choices in other ways surrounding brushing can help them feel like they’re in control and empower them.
Take your child shopping for their own toothbrush and toothpaste so that they can feel a bit more grown up (even if they do end up going home with a Disney toothbrush).
Explain Like They’re a Grown Up
Some kids respond really well when you’re just straight up honest with them. You don’t need to go into too much detail, but a few details may really help.
You can let them know that healthy children have healthy mouths. This means that their lives will be easier and happier. If all else fails, remind them that not brushing can lead to bad breath - which won’t make them popular in class!
Make A Dentist Appointment
Sometimes, kids aren’t refusing to brush because they’re lazy or defiant. The reason may actually be because they have sensitive teeth. Brushing may be unpleasant for them! This can be especially true if your child has been diagnosed with things like autism and ADHD.
Remember, you don’t want to instill fear into them, so never use making a dentist appointment as a threat. You want looking after their teeth to be a positive experience that they’ll carry on for the rest of their lives.
Your dentist will work with your child to overcome any issues and show them how to brush properly.
All of the dentists at smilogy are highly experienced in dealing with kids who can’t or won’t brush their teeth. Book an appointment to combat this issue today!
Book an appointment to combat this issue today - call us now on 02 8005 4434 or get in touch .