How to Tell Children to Brush Their Teeth

Make tooth-brushing a positive chore.

Some kids are avid brushers, spending quality time at the bathroom sink brushing their teeth. Other kids may be more reluctant to use a toothbrush. Whatever the proclivity of your children, getting kids to brush their teeth regularly is important for strong teeth and good dental hygiene. Tell children to brush their teeth, finding positive ways to motivate and encourage them to brush often throughout the day.

Things You'll Need

• Reward chart (optional)
• Stickers (optional)

Instructions

1. Teach children how to brush their teeth, if necessary. Starting when children are very small -- 2 or 3 years of age -- brush their teeth for them for at least two or three minutes. Give kids a chance to brush their teeth as well, either before or after you brush. With daily instruction, children will gradually learn how to brush effectively.

2. Set up a tooth-brushing schedule. According to the KidsHealth website, kids should brush their teeth at least twice each day -- after eating breakfast and before going to bed at night. Adding a third time after lunch would be optimal, but many kids will not be able to brush after lunch because of school or daycare. After making a schedule that works for your family, implement it by doing it daily so your kids learn the routine.

3. Remind children to brush their teeth after breakfast, when necessary. When you see that your child has finished eating breakfast, say, "If you're done with your cereal, please go to the bathroom to wash your face and brush your teeth before the time comes to leave for school."

4. Send your child to the bathroom to brush after lunch, when possible. Say, "I see you're done with your sandwich. Please go brush your teeth so we can sit and read your book together." Giving your child something to look forward to after brushing can help motivate him to cooperate.

5. Tell your child when bedtime arrives that it is time to get ready for bed. When bathroom chores are a part of the bedtime routine, your child will learn that she needs to brush her teeth before bed. Say, "It's time to get ready for bed. Let's go to the bathroom to brush your teeth before we tuck you into bed."

6. Make up a reward chart if your child needs extra encouragement to brush teeth. Give stickers every time he brushes his teeth without you reminding him. After your child earns 10 or 15 stickers, give him a small prize to motivate him to continue to brush his teeth without your reminding.

References

• Kids Health: Teeth Care