I have four crazy kids I have to teach them that brushing their teeth is not only healthy and good for them, but it can awesome be fun and rewarding.
5 Ways to get Kids to Brush Their Teeth
1) Toothbrushes – They now have toothbrushes with different charters on them. I let the kids each pick out their own design between character ones, they got ones that are customized with stickers. It gets them excited! There’s also kid power toothbrushes that play a song, so kids will brush their teeth the whole time until the song is over. Very awesome!
2) Reward Charts – Making a simple dental reward chart with stickers. Gives the kids something to look forward to at the end of the week. Like have a small treasure chest with little reward toys, candies, etc they get at the end of each week. Here’s a chart that we use and seems to be really working out.
3) – Books about Brushing Teeth – I recently got a few books on the topic of brushing teeth, to show the kids how important it is to brush their teeth and reading is very important as well. It’s a win-win. Here’s a few books about brushing teeth, you should check out.
4) – Learn by Example – YOU! Let them watch you brush their teeth, how you keep your teeth clean and healthy, kids like to copy what we do. Brush your teeth together, make it a family thing to do. Help them brush their teeth. Teach them how to go from front to back. Then if you’re brave you can let them brush your teeth.
5) Toothpaste & Mouthwash – This is where it can get tricky, my kids are super picky about the taste of the toothpaste they use. They always seem to complain about the flavor. I recently found Natural Dental’s Cavity Zapper, which has both toothpaste and mouthwash, which comes in Berry Blast and Groovy Grape flavors.
The Natural Dentist’s children’s line in particular includes our Cavity Zapper Toothpastes, Plaque Zapper Toothpaste which is flouride-free and Mouth Rinse. The gel toothpaste does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), and there are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors. It comes in two great, kid-approved flavors – Berry Blast and Groovy Grape. The Natural Dentist to make sure that kids and their parents have the best clinically-proven oral care products – products that don’t contain alcohol, harsh chemicals or artificial colors or flavors.
All of the kids picked the Berry Blast over the Groovy Grape, but they said it wasn’t bad though. They were excited for brushing their teeth and that’s the whole point right? Overall I totally recommend this for kids to use. They also have an adult line as well, I’m about to check that out for myself honestly. You can find Natural Dental’s Cavity Zapper & Natural Dental Plaque Zapper in most stores, here’s a location lookup.
Disclosure: I received 3 cavity zapper toothpastes from the Natural Dentist brand, in exchange for a honest review.
Nicole E. (@prettynameless)
My son is such a challenge to get to brush his teeth. He’s 9, so it comes down to: do it or you’re grounded! LOL. But I do try to keep it fun. It really IS all about the toothbrush and the toothpaste at his age. He’s also picky about toothpaste, so I’ll have to try out the Cavity Zapper Toothpastes!
The Trophy WifeStyle
Hehehehe I have the only child in the world that is obsessed with brushing her teeth! It’s almost crazy how much she enjoys it… We have to take her tooth brush away from her to get her to stop brushing… And then it’s temper tantrum city until she finds something else that catches her eye lol… These are definitely some great tips though! I’m also loving that the tooth paste you posted is natural 🙂
Shabby Chic Boho (@terrishutterbug)
These are really great tips to teach kids to brush their teeth. Alyssa really likes to brush her teeth but we have to work with Abby to get her to brush really well. I’m going to try some of your tips and see if we can’t encourage her to brush without it being such a hassle. Thanks so much for sharing, we prefer natural toothpaste.
Qoftwignberry (@Qoftwignberry)
I definitely needed to read this since my boys are giving me such a fight whenever it is time to brush our teeth. I already tried a bunch of your ideas except for the sticker chart. It worked well for my oldest in terms of potty training, so it is definitely worth giving it a try again. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda
http://www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com
Holly
We really struggle with brushing teeth in our house. I probably should do a sticker chart or something, but I’m not that motivated 🙂 I’m definitely loving this toothpaste though. We don’t use flouride in our house so learning about another natural toothpaste is great!
Nancy
Omg so funny you’re talking about this now. I spent a good 2 hours on eBay last night (I know…) looking at toothbrushes and toothpaste from around the world. Natural bristles, natural toothpaste, cool looking toothbrushes (clear one’s, white ones, you name it). I’ve started to become quite serious about my oral hygiene this year ever since I got a 1/2 crown on my tooth late last year 🙁 🙁
Tammilee Tips
How fun to have a singing toothbrush!! I had no idea that they made those and with great song selection! Oral health is important and easy to go to the wayside as kids and as adults!
Regina
These are all great tips! I love the idea of using reward charts and wish I had done this when my child was younger. I’ll certainly have to check out the toothpaste for adults. Lately, I’ve been leaning towards using more natural products and the benefits have been noticeable. Good stuff!
Chubskulit Rose
We use different brand of toothpaste but I would like for them to try this. I will look for it in the store next time we need one. Flossing is something that we always do after brushing our teeth.
Yona Williams
I know if I like a toothbrush that plays a song while I’m brushing my teeth, then I know the kiddies will. Those are so much fun, and I like character toothbrushes too; I have one shaped like a panda bear that I don’t use because I like it too much. Another fancy toothbrush that I had that older kids might like is a Bling Toothbrush. I won one in a giveaway, and my sweetie liked the way it looked so he repossessed it. He doesn’t even use it…it’s like on display.
LifeAsAConvert
These are all great tips. What works for me, is doing it as a family affair. Cute toothbrushes never hurt either.
Bailey K.
These are great! I work with kids with disabilities, and I can’t tell you how important it is for them to be able to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste (and even rinsing cups, etc). We would always work one part of the mouth at a time, otherwise some kids will just do the front and call it a day. 🙂
PuffyBiggler
These are great tips for all ages, LOL. Thanks for sharing!