If you want your kids to do something willfully, you will have to make it fun. Oral hygiene habits are extremely important for all ages. It is a lifelong pursuit that will result in better long-term consequences if good habits are formed early on. The trick is figuring out how to make brushing your teeth a fun thing. Here are a few tried and tested ideas that parents have used to great success!

1. Thwarting Bad Oral Hygiene Habits in Kids
Everyone knows that if you want kids to do something willfully, you’ll have to make it fun. When it
comes to building habits, fun is a definite must! Oral Hygiene habits are very important for both kids
and adults. It’s a lifelong pursuit that will result in better long-term consequences if good habits are
formed at a young age. The trick is figuring out how to make brushing your teeth fun. Here are a few
tried and tested ideas that past parents have used to great success! Try them out and see if they work
for you and your family!
Kids Pick
Take your child to the store and let them pick out the toothbrush and
toothpaste they want. Most supermarkets stock a wide range of
children’s toothbrushes in every color, shape, and style. There are
princess toothbrushes, superhero toothbrushes, and other fun
brushes in bright and exciting colors. Note that if you chose to buy a
brush for your child yourself, that there are specific children-sized
brushes that are softer and shorter and better fit for your child’s small
mouth.
Many types of toothpaste are also made specifically for children. These come in different flavors and
colors as well and will be more appealing to a child than the strong, minty adult flavors. There is some
debate about whether you should buy fluorinated toothpaste for your child or not. Those in favor assert
(correctly) that the fluoride is good for child’s teeth and will help prevent decay, chips, and overall tooth
health. Those against fluorinated toothpaste say that if your child swallows too much fluorinated
toothpaste, it could make them sick (which is also true). Ask your West Jordan dentist what his/her
opinion is and take into consideration your child’s toothpaste swallowing tendencies.
Entertainment Brushing
Kids will enjoy brushing more if you make brushing fun activity. As you all brush together, you can listen
to a favorite song, watch a short YouTube video, or watch a small hourglass. Not only are these
activities fun, but they can help you time your brushing, ensuring that you brush long enough each time.
Additionally, many kids TV shows include programs that address things like brushing your teeth. They
often include songs, dances, or fun stories that you can refer to when it’s teeth-brushing time at your
house. Some of these programs even include computer or mobile sites or apps that can help your child
have fun brushing.
Family Brushing
Up till the age of three or four, you should brush your child’s teeth for them. Sit them on your lap or
kneel behind them and talk them through the brushing process. You can come up with a story about
their teeth and the brush or simply talk about the different motions you are using to brush their teeth.
When they are old enough to brush for themselves, make sure they follow the same pattern as you
used, and brush alongside them so they can see what they are supposed to do.