Happy Help: 3 Tips for Encouraging Kids to Clean Their Teeth

Some parents assume there’s no need to schedule a dental checkup for their child until they have all their teeth, but the American Dental Association recommends scheduling an appointment when the first tooth appears, usually around 1 year old. Then, they suggest a routine visit every six months to guide their still-developing smile.

You should also help your child consistently clean their mouth at home to prevent common concerns, such as cavities and gum disease. If your kid digs in their heels when it’s time for their dental hygiene routine, read on to learn about 3 tips that might help!

Tip #1: Lead By Example

Your child learns a great deal simply by observing you, even before they are old enough to understand verbal or written language. That means one effective way to encourage them to brush and floss their teeth as they grow older is to demonstrate this habit consistently yourself, which provides a strong example to follow.

If you make it a point to clean your mouth at the same time every morning and night and invite your child to do the same, they are far more likely to acquiesce than if you simply order them away to the bathroom to handle the task themselves. Not only that, but it’s often recommended that parents monitor their kids’ dental hygiene practices until they’re about 7 to 9 years old to ensure proper technique and help prevent them from swallowing too much toothpaste.

Tip #2: Make it Fun

If your little one tends to throw a temper tantrum when it’s time to clean their teeth, it might help to turn it into a game instead of a chore. You can do this by incorporating imagination and play into your dental hygiene regimen.

For instance, you and your child clean your mouths at the same time and compete to see who can scrub more “sugar bugs” away within a two-minute timeframe. You might also play their favorite song or hum a few verses of a familiar tune to help them feel happy and relaxed while they brush.

Tip #3: Reward Progress

Another way many parents successfully motivate their kids to keep up with dental care is by implementing a reward system. For example, you can put a star sticker on the calendar each day they brush and floss their teeth without argument, and reward them after they achieve a certain number.

Keep in mind, though, that you might not want to offer candy or other sweet treats as motivation, as they attract harmful bacteria that can damage your kid’s teeth or gums. But they might be excited to visit the store with you to pick out a new toothpaste flavor or a colorful toothbrush instead!

If you’re concerned about your child’s at-home oral hygiene habits, your dentist may have additional helpful tips you can try!

Meet the Author

Dr. Thomas Peters has decades of experience helping families improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine before achieving Master status with the Academy of General Dentistry, which is earned by less than 2% of all dentists in the U.S. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services using advanced technology to help improve patient comfort while delivering accurate, lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (860) 677-8500.