How to Make Tooth Brushing Fun for a Child

Children need to learn early on about taking care of their teeth. When they are very small, this is something parents actively help them with. But as a child grows, tooth brushing is something a child needs to do on his own. Children, of course, are more likely to do something if it is fun. The following steps will help you make tooth brushing more fun for your child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Buy the right kind of toothbrush. Make sure your child's toothbrush is his size, not a full-sized adult toothbrush. Buying one of the many cute toothbrushes designed to make brushing more fun; ones that light up or play music, is a good way to go here.
2. Teach your child a song like "This Is The Way We Brush Our Teeth" that helps her know how long to brush and gives her something to think about while she's brushing,
3. Shop for a child-friendly mouthwash and teach your child how to swish and gargle. Making the noises and silly faces that naturally go along with mouthwash will make brushing fun for your child.
4. Make tooth brushing more fun with sparkly or wacky flavors of toothpaste for kids. There are a variety of toothpastes that include favorite children's TV or movie characters on them.
5. Make a checklist or colorful sticker calendar for your child to track his tooth brushing habit. Have your child mark off or put a sticker in each day he brushes his teeth without being asked. Then at the end of each week, reward your child with some sort of activity or trinket decided about ahead of time.

Tips & Warnings

• A reward system almost always works with children. You can use a reward system not only for brushing, but also for successful dental check-ups. Plan a fun outing or prize for your child when he has a cavity-free check-up with the dentist.
• Use caution in teaching children the proper amount of toothpaste to use on the toothbrush or the amount of mouthwash to use. Encourage your child to always spit and never to swallow toothpaste or mouthwash.