The toothbrushing technique

The toothbrushing technique

Many parents view toothbrushing with dread, and either give up altogether or put their children off oral hygiene for life by pinning them down and forcibly brushing their teeth. It’s much better to think tactically – just as tantrum control is often as simple as outsmarting your child, toothbrushing is all about motivating them with fun and creativity.

It’s vital parents start to brush their baby’s teeth as soon as they cut through the gums – not only does this protect the teeth from decay, it also helps your child become accustomed to having his teeth brushed. This can be a huge advantage once your child reaches the uncooperative stage a few years down the line! Try these steps if your child is a toothbrush terror…

Step 1: Let him brush your teeth first

Kids love to copy, and sharing the ordeal with him might make him more likely to behave.

Step 2: Make it fun

Use different colored or different flavored toothpaste. Character toothbrushes may also be useful in helping to keep him co-operating. Another good tip is to use a glove puppet on the hand that holds the brush.

Step 3: Focus on a role model

Tell him how all his favorite TV characters love having their teeth brushed, and let him clean his toys’ teeth. An older sibling can be a good role model too… assuming she’s not a toothbrush terror too, of course!

Step 4: Praise him

Tell him what a good boy he is for letting you brush them. A reward chart, with a sticker and a treat for a week’s worth of tantrum-free tooth brushing is always a good tactic to encourage future co-operation!

Step 5: Let him do it himself

Toddlers and preschoolers are very independent and often you can avert a battle at teeth time by just letting them have a few moments to brush their teeth themselves before you step in to ‘do the ones they’ve missed’.

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