- HAVE 2 MINUTES OF FUN- Don’t just set times and supervise, make tooth brushing an event. Crank up your child’s favorite song. Have a 2 minute dance party. Read or tell them a 2 minute story using all your best voices.
- START A ROUTINE AND STICK TO IT- The more second nature brushing becomes, the easier it becomes to brush for 2 minutes twice a day.
- REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR- Reward your child for brushing well with high fives, fist bumps, stickers or let them pick a bedtime story.
- CHARACTERS COUNT- Many children’s shows and books have stories about tooth brushing. Read or watch them together. You can use the characters as a good example.
- MAKE UP A STORY- Tell a story that makes your child the only superhero who can brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.
- GO SHOPPING- Let your child pick out his own toothbrush and toothpaste. A character toothbrush might make brushing more fun.
- MAKE BRUSHING A FAMILY AFFAIR- Your children look up to you and learn from you, so set a good example. The family that brushes together has even more reason to smile.
HAVE FUN AND HAPPY BRUSHING
-Joe Olsen, DDS