Author: LJMCIVER

Here are some simple ways to make brushing more fun for children. 

• Find toothbrushing tunes for terrific teeth. Playing a two-minute song can turn brushing time into a fun activity while also helping children brush for the recommended amount of time. Fun rhymes can also serve as a great tool for keeping children entertained during brushing. 

• Create a story around brushing. A toothbrush doesn’t just have to be a toothbrush — turn it into part of the adventure. It could be a trusted superhero fighting against cavity monsters or a magical wand for sparkling smiles. 

• Create a chart for brushing. Having a visual reminder, as well as a space that tracks your child’s toothbrushing achievements, is a simple and fun tool to encourage kids to brush. Charts work as both a reminder and a rewarding image to keep teeth time on track. 

• Have a trusted timer. Timers don’t have to simply be a countdown on the clock. Investing in a colourful sand-timer, an app with visuals, or even a video can help children stay on track and help them achieve those magic 2 minutes. 

• Provide your children with choices. Whether it be a toothbrush, a song, an app, or even a toothpaste flavour, letting your child make choices that appeal to them is likely to make brushing their teeth more appealing altogether. 

To find a toothbrush that is simple, engaging, and effective for children, check out Trio-Teeth’s innovative toothbrushes designed to help children brush independently. 

Visit Trio Teeth for more creative brushing tips and tricks. 

Here are some helpful dentist-approved tips to help your children maintain healthy teeth. 

• Start brushing as soon as that first tooth comes in. Baby teeth typically sprout around six months. Using a soft, small-headed toothbrush with a small dab of toothpaste will help children get used to the feeling of brushing. The road to preventing tooth decay starts as soon as those baby teeth appear, so don’t delay! 

• Replace those toothbrushes regularly. Typically, every 3 months is a good time to turn those brushes around. Signs of wear include fraying and splaying of bristles. Remember, the better the bristle, the better it removes plaque and buildup. A soft, healthy brush is your best friend for keeping your teeth healthy. 

• Don’t dismiss the importance of baby teeth. While baby teeth are temporary, their job is to save space for those permanent teeth. Baby teeth also affect things like speech, facial structure, and nutrition. Keeping them healthy keeps children healthy. 

• Supervise children while brushing. Dentists recommend helping children brush up until the age of 7-8 to teach them proper technique and dexterity that will last them a lifetime. 

• Use a good fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is the optimal tool recommended by dentists to help protect against cavities, tooth decay and protect tooth enamel. Using a dab of toothpaste the size of a pea should do the trick at brushing time. 

What changes can I make to make bedtime easier for my sensitive child? 

• Build a consistent routine. Routines help both parents and children save a lot of mental energy by knowing what comes next and when. Routine also helps children feel in control, knowing there is stability and predictability when it comes to evenings. Start with teeth-brushing, followed by bath time, and end with a cozy bedtime story. Keeping the order the same every night will help calm minds rather than overstimulate them. 

• Creating a calm and sensory-friendly cozy environment. Simple changes like dim lighting, soft music/white noise, or even removing the clothing labels from pyjamas can make bedtime less overstimulating. Changes like installing blackout curtains or investing in a weighted blanket can improve the quality of sleep for busy minds. 

• Allow children to make decisions; giving them a sense of control is likely to make them feel more at ease. Whether it be their toothbrush, a song to play, or picking their bedtime story, allowing children to make active choices in their bedtime routine will encourage cooperation rather than resistance. 

• Brushing breaks. Two minutes of strange textures, tingly minty flavours and pressure on one’s teeth can simply be too much at once for some children. Allow children to take breaks, or even let them practice brushing before helping them finish. 

What issues go beyond the surface of brushing? 

Brushing too hard. Ensure that you teach your children to apply a gentle sweeping pressure, rather than a harsh scrub, when it comes to brushing. Brushing too hard will irritate gums and cause the protective coating over our teeth to be damaged.   

Inconsistent routine. Keeping a strict routine when it comes to brushing twice a day will help alleviate any anxieties around teeth time. Making brushing a regular part of both your morning and evening routine is much more likely to make your child feel more relaxed around the activity of teeth-cleaning. 

Using the wrong-sized toothbrush. Just like clothes and shoes, toothbrushes also vary in size, and finding one that fits is important. The wrong-sized toothbrush will have repercussions on your oral health, so pick something that fits for both comfort and effective cleanliness. 

Rushing. As the dentists say, make sure you brush for 2 minutes twice a day. Rushing the teeth-cleaning routine leaves your teeth more susceptible to plaque build-up and damage, so keeping your teeth-cleaning time to a trusty 2 minutes is key to healthy teeth! 

Making teeth-time a power struggle. Try not to create a negative association with brushing by making it part of a punishment or negotiation. Brushing teeth is simply a normal part of the day, just like it is for parents. 

How can I make teeth-time more manageable? 

• A favourite song or even a simple timer are both great tools to make teeth cleaning for children more manageable and enjoyable. 

• Positive reinforcement. Give praise to your children for their efforts rather than expecting perfection. Your children will be delighted that you have noticed their accomplishment. 

• Ensure your child’s brushes are fun and age-appropriate. With so many exciting and enticing toothbrush designs to choose from, your child is bound to find something they enjoy! 

For more tips and tricks to make teeth-brushing time more manageable in your household, discover more practical brushing tips and product recommendations.  

So, you might be thinking, “Why is brushing so hard for my child?”  

Sensory irritation: Abrasive bristling, minty tingling, unfamiliar textures, vibrations and grittiness are not something that children simply accept.  

Control: While we want to ensure our children brush correctly, some might resist your assistance and trigger resistance through a desire for independence.  

Routine disruption: Small interruptions, like teeth-brushing, to other activities like playing, reading a story, or even getting to school on time, can really unease children.  

What can I do to help?

Include them! Let your child choose their toothbrush, whether it’s a certain colour, an image, or even the shape of the brush. Your child is likely to find something they enjoy! 

Trust then assist. Allow your child to brush their teeth first, by giving them control, your child is likely to ease better into the activity. After they have given brushing a go, help them finish the job.  

Create consistency. Having a routine is a great comfort for many children, making teeth-brushing a familiar and consistent part of the day.  

What type of toothbrush should I buy? 

Certain toothbrush designs, like a three-sided brush or one with a curved handle to better fit your child’s grip, can help children clean their teeth more efficiently and independently. Calmer mornings and evenings for your household are absolutely achievable. 

For more guidance on choosing brushes and sensory-friendly brushing, check out the guide from Trio Teeth.