Brushing Battles? How to Handle a Child Who Hates Brushing Their Teeth

Win the Brushing Battle

As a parent, it can be hard to get your children to do anything, and that can include toothbrushing. Parents, you aren’t alone. Many children act out and resist brushing their teeth. But there are many ways to get around the battles and win the overall war. At We Make Kids Smile Pediatric Dentistry in Waldorf and Prince Frederick, Maryland, we have some tips and tricks to help get your children to brush their teeth, and brush them properly.

Find the Root of the Resistance

When you address any problem, the first step is to find the root of the problem. Why is your child resisting brushing their teeth? Are their teeth sensitive? Do they not like the taste of their tooth paste? Is their toothbrush too big for their mouth? Do they find that brushing for two minutes feels like a difficult milestone to reach? Be sure to ask your child thorough questions to find out why they dislike brushing their teeth. Their answer could be simple and there may be an easy fix to the problem they are experiencing.

Make Toothbrushing Fun and Interactive

One way you can make toothbrushing more fun is by allowing your child to choose their own tools. Allow them to find a toothpaste flavor that speaks to them. At We Make Kids Smile, we recommend toothpaste that if fortified with fluoride, as fluoride is a mineral that can help build strong tooth enamel.

Your child may also gravitate towards a toothbrush with a fun character on it or a toothbrush in their favorite color. Allow them to pick a toothbrush that appeals to them; just make sure it is a child-sized toothbrush with extra soft bristles. Having the right tools is the first step in getting your child to stop the battle of brushing.

Parents can also make toothbrushing an interactive experience for their child. Brushing for two minutes each time can seem like a lot. Instead, consider dividing the mouth up into four different parts and have your child brush each section for at least 30 seconds a piece. Have your child focus on brushing all areas of the tooth, including the front, back, top, and sides. If it helps, have set a timer so your child can follow along with how long they should be brushing.

Set a Positive Example

Many children learn positive habits by watching someone they trust. In this case, your child is looking to you, the parent, to brush their teeth properly, and at the right times of the day. Make toothbrushing a family activity and gather to brush your teeth together first thing in the morning, and again just before bed. Make this habit a routine, and soon your child will get in the groove and will be brushing when they should.

Use Rewards and Routines

Some children are encouraged by positive reinforcement and work harder when they have something to look forward to. If this is the case in your child, make a sticker chart that rewards a sticker for each time they brush their teeth. There should be two spots for each day, and your child can add a sticker to the chart when they successfully brush their teeth for a minimum of two minutes to ensure all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned.

Also help your child stick to a consistent toothbrushing schedule to help enforce the good habit of brushing their teeth. Consider having your children brush their teeth immediately when they wake up in the morning, and then again just before bedtime.

Stay Patient

They say patience is a virtue, and being patient with your children can be a struggle, but it is key in helping your children develop good oral health habits. Some children may get distracted and have a hard time focusing. Help reel in your child by having them keep with a routine. Have them start their day by brushing their teeth, followed by getting dressed, then going on to breakfast, for example. Provide gentle reminders about toothbrushing, and reminding your children how much the We Make Kids Smile team likes looking at their pearly whites!

You Can Conquer the Battles and Win the War on Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing doesn’t have to be a daily battle, but if it is, remember to be patient and take small steps in reminding your child how healthy of a habit twice daily toothbrushing is. By building consistent habits, your child can develop a healthy oral health routine. If you ever need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the We Make Kids Smile team to help with these little battles. And don’t forget to schedule your child’s biannual dental check-ups while you’re thinking about it!