How to Keep Your Child Brushing Their Teeth During COVID-19

Getting the family to the dentist can be tricky enough under normal circumstances. However, amidst the changes that have come with the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental offices have been completely closed or only doing emergency procedures. While getting you and your family to a regular cleaning might be postponed during this time, it’s important to ensure that your family is taking good care of their pearly whites at home.

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to encourage your keeps to brush their teeth regularly in between dental visits:

Setting Motivating Goals

Adding structure to your child’s dental hygiene routine can help them understand the importance of developing a sense of ownership for this habit. If your child benefits from expectations, accountability, and a rewards system, it can be helpful to bring that structure into their oral routine.

Try setting a two-minute timer and challenge them to brush continuously until the timer goes off. Perhaps consider making a sticker chart or offering a small incentive for making brushing their teeth a part of their daily routine.

Your child may not understand the importance of brushing their teeth until you explain it to them. Take some time to educate your child on maintaining good dental health and why it’s a big part of taking care of themselves.

Going Beyond Traditional Toothpaste

Our taste buds are often the most sensitive when we’re children, which is why it might not come as a surprise that your child dislikes brushing their teeth because of the strong flavor and uncomfortable textures of most toothpastes.

Consider letting your child choose their favorite flavor of kid-friendly toothpaste. Child-specific toothpaste often has a milder flavor and can make brushing their teeth less painful. Go ahead and grab a toothbrush with their favorite character on it to make keeping up with their dental hygiene something they look forward to every day!

Brush Your Teeth Together

Brushing your teeth together can be a great time to bond with your child. You both have to do it every morning and every night, so why not take the chance to spend time with your kids and make brushing your teeth a better experience for you both?

Set a timer or play one of your favorite songs to pass the time. Kids learn best by example so being able to watch you will encourage them to continue the practice. It also provides a great opportunity for your child to ask questions and learn proper brushing techniques.