

Young children don’t always follow dental hygiene practices as well as adults do. But there are several things parents and caregivers can do to teach kids how to take care of their teeth. Here are five tips that can help to train children how to properly brush their teeth daily.
1. Establish a Routine.
Kids that are allowed to brush their teeth anytime can be challenging to monitor. When they are still young, it helps to set specific times for teaching kids to brush their teeth. Typical times are in the morning, after eating, and before bedtime. Setting a schedule makes brushing time easier to remember.
2. Set an Example.
Parents who demonstrate daily brushing habits are a positive influence on their children. Preschoolers often like to copy their parents’ actions, so showing them how to brush their teeth properly can be a fun way to teach kids a valuable life skill of how to brush teeth effectively.
3. Use Child-Friendly Dental Products.
Many families use toothbrushes, rinsing cups, and dental products with kid-friendly themes, logos, or characters. Bright colors and flashy designs have a magnetic pull on children’s imaginations. This is a dynamic approach to teaching kids to brush their teeth, as long as the toothbrushes and toothpaste or other products are safely used.
4. Use a Timer.
When kids are in a hurry to get back to their toys or sports, they might try to shortchange the brushing process of oral hygiene. It may help to set a timer for the amount of time recommended by the dentist, so that kids learn how long it should take to brush their teeth each time. Timers that have a catchy ring or are visually inviting can help to focus kids’ attention on the task of brushing their teeth for the designated amount of time.
5. Explain the Importance of Good Oral Hygiene.

Adapting vocabulary terms to a child’s age, parents can explain the significance of daily brushing of the teeth. This helps kids to understand the purpose for this hygienic practice and to do it for the benefits it provides, not just because Mom and Dad said to do it. As children grow into their teen years, they begin to notice other kids with yellow teeth or visible dental decay. They might also be aware of children with bad breath. These observations may stoke their interest in routine, effective brushing to keep their teeth looking great.
For answers to dental questions or to schedule an appointment for an exam, contact North View Dental. Kids will love the comfort of the professional office and will feel at home during dentist appointments as they learn to brush teeth the correct way.