What’s the worst part about your kid’s bedtime routine?
If you answered “brushing their teeth”, know that you’re not alone. It happens to the best of parents!
More often than not, this fundamental part of our children’s dental hygiene becomes a battleground for many parents. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Resistance to this twice-daily routine can lead to significant stress and set back a child’s oral health. Understanding the roots of this resistance and addressing them can transform this essential chore into an agreeable habit.
Childhood Resistance to Brushing: Unraveling the Why
As parents, we’ve all seen and suffered through the struggle, but it’s important to understand why the resistance occurs. It can spring from various reasons, including sensory sensitivity to the taste or texture of toothpaste, a dislike of the brushing sensation, a simple reluctance to interrupt playtime for personal care tasks, or even a discomfort in the mouth due to teething or oral health issues.
On some occasions, a negative experience at the dentist can translate into fear that spills over into daily brushing. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and work through them with understanding and patience.
Tips to Tame the Toothbrush Tantrums
Transforming tooth brushing from a dreaded task into a tolerable—even enjoyable—one is possible with the right strategy. Here are several tips parents can use to alleviate resistance:
- Start them young: Let your child play with a toothbrush as early as 6 month old, when they start teething. Give them a brush to chew on. It will help with teething, stimulate the saliva and mechanically clean their teeth.
Tip: Place the toothbrush in the fridge when teething is causing soreness and pain, and then give it to them. The cold will ease their discomfort
- Incorporate Fun into the Routine: Turn brushing into a game where children can earn points or rewards, use toothbrushes that light up or play music, and adopt flavored toothpaste that appeals to your child. If they are reluctant to toothpaste or you can’t find any flavours they like, just focus on the mechanical action of brushing and try to make it last a bit longer.
Tip: The parents and doctors at ROZE Bio Health love the Disney Magic Timer app! (Not sponsored)Ever since we started using the app, my kid ASKS ME if they can brush their teeth! They even get their toothbrush and toothpaste ready themselves!
– Talhia, mom of a 4-year-old - Model Positive Behavior: Kids look to their parents as role models. By brushing your teeth alongside your child, you demonstrate that it’s a family value. Let them brush your teeth as well – kids love role playing!
- Empathy and Education: Speak to your child about the importance of brushing in an age-appropriate way, and allow them to ask questions or express concerns. Being heard can often lower resistance. You will find educational videos online or books with their favorite cartoons characters brushing their teeth or visiting the dentist.
- Praise and Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate brushing achievements with stickers or a chart that leads to a small reward once completed, reinforcing the behavior you want to see. (This is the idea behind the Disney Magic Timer app – they collect digital posters of their favorite characters…among other cool features!)
- Gradual Exposure: If sensory issues are at play, gently acclimate your child to the texture of toothpaste and the sensation of brushing, possibly with guidance from an occupational therapist. Try out different types of toothbrushes to see what they prefer (i.e. plastic, bamboo, rubber, silicon). Use a brush size that is adapted to their mouth (start with the smallest) and aways use soft or extra soft bristles.
The Supportive Role of Dental Professionals
Dentists and hygienists can be invaluable allies in addressing brushing resistance. By creating a welcoming environment and leveraging their expertise, dental professionals can offer:
- Personalized Recommendations: Professional input on suitable brushes, toothpaste, and methods specific to the child’s need.
- Education and Demonstrations: Showing proper age-appropriate brushing techniques in a friendly, non-threatening way.
- Intervention as Needed: Recognizing when professional intervention might be necessary, such as when dealing with extreme dental anxiety.
Collaboration between parents and dental professionals is crucial to ensure a child receives consistent messages about oral health.
Building Foundations for a Brighter Smile
It’s vital to establish oral hygiene habits early as they set the stage for lifelong dental health. Overcoming resistance to brushing can have a lasting positive impact on a child’s oral and general well-being.
Parents armed with the right tools and knowledge can turn a mundane routine into a positive ritual, while dentists and hygienists can offer the support and guidance to make the process smoother. Remember, each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience, persistence, and a lot of creative fun are key components to success.
We Want to Hear from You!
Do you have tips or experiences to share on overcoming brushing resistance with your children? Or perhaps you’re a dental professional with insights to offer? Join our community and share your thoughts in the comments section. Your input could provide the solution that someone else is looking for!