Helping Your Kids Brush their Teeth Family dentists in Santa Cruz know how difficult it can be for some toddlers and small children to brush

their teeth. They do not understand the need to do so nor do they like holding still while an annoying

toothbrush encroaches upon their mouths.

Subsequently, young kids will fight and wrestle their parents seemingly every morning and night when it

is time to brush their teeth. But for all of you struggling parents out there, remember that this is not a

new phenomenon; some kids, and maybe even a large majority of kids, just do not like brushing their

teeth.

Unfortunately in this case, it is commonly known that most habits that are developed during childhood

will persist through adulthood so the importance of teaching a child appropriate dental hygiene is vitally

important to their future health and wellbeing. This means that the eternal struggle between frustrated

but patient parents and their simply exasperated kids will continue to go on as parents the world over

try to do what is best for their children.

Dentists Can Help Family dentists in Santa Cruz wish to help these struggling parents in their efforts to instill healthy dental

hygiene habits in their children by offering a few suggestions on how to get the kids to cooperate during

tooth brushing time. These are suggestions that have worked for others only and should not be

considered the “how to” manual on how to get your kids to engage in dental hygiene, still, hopefully

they will help.

Most parents have discovered that their little ones

will imitate what they see the parents do. This

modeling action can be of great worth to the parent

trying to get their children to cooperate with

brushing their teeth.

Consider buying identical toothbrushes for yourself

and the child and then turn brushing teeth into a

shared activity that both parent and child engage in

together. Allow them to copy your actions of putting

the paste on the brush and putting the brush into your mouth and the child will usually want to follow

their parent’s example.

Another potentially helpful tip may be to allow the child to brush your teeth while you brush their teeth.

Turning a chore into a game with mom or dad can be extremely beneficial.

Also consider buying tooth paste and a tooth brush that the child enjoys. This typically will have to do

more with what is on the tube that what is in the paste, though, honestly, the better the paste tastes

the more likely the child will want to use it.

Finding the way in which to help your children to brush their teeth may be a long and unique process

but infusing the habit of brushing teeth now in the child will help them considerably as they grow.