1.  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.
  2. 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.
  3. REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR-  Reward your child for brushing well with high fives, fist bumps, stickers or let them pick a bedtime story.
  4. 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.
  5. MAKE UP A STORY-  Tell a story that makes your child the only superhero who can brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.
  6. GO SHOPPING-  Let your child pick out his own toothbrush and toothpaste.  A character toothbrush might make brushing more fun.
  7. 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