How You Can Make Brushing More Exciting For Your Toddler
After your child's first tooth comes in, they'll need to see the dentist regularly and start brushing twice a day. But if your toddler is like most, they likely aren't interested in dental care so getting them to brush without complaints can be tough. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make brushing more exciting for your toddler so they're more likely to take care of their teeth without complaining. Consider using one or more of the following techniques:
Create a Reward Calendar
By creating a weekly brushing calendar and putting it on the wall in the bathroom, you can encourage your little one to brush their teeth without having to be reminded during the day. You can find several cartoon-themed calendar templates on the Internet and print a new one out each week. Hang the calendar in the bathroom where your child can reach it, and allow them to put a star sticker on each day of the calendar that they brush their teeth without complaint.
If your little one is able to put stars on each day of the week, present them with a small reward that will keep them motivated to focus on brushing the next week. Keep a small tub full of things like glow-in-the-dark dental floss, designer toothbrushes, coloring books, and even movie tickets so there is always something available to reward your child with.
Make Homemade Toothpaste Together
Making some homemade toothpaste in the kitchen with your toddler is an excellent way to get them excited about brushing on a regular basis. The process of making the toothpaste is fun, and the paste itself is tasty enough to keep your little one interested in using it as times goes on. This homemade toothpaste features strawberries which will help keep your toddler's teeth white and healthy between dental visits.
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C which lifts plaque off of teeth and contain astringents which naturally scrub away stains. Here is what you and your child will need to make a batch of your own homemade strawberry toothpaste:
- 3 strawberries (if you're using frozen berries, let them thaw out first)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tbsp water
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Just put all of the ingredients in a small reusable container and use a fork to mash the strawberries until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the concoction turns into a thick paste. Use a small spoon to transfer the toothpaste to your family's brushes before using it. The leftovers can be kept fresh in the fridge for about a week before you'll have to make a new batch.
These simple methods should help encourage your little one to take a keen interest in their dental health and learn healthy brushing habits that they'll make use of throughout adulthood.
For more information, contact professionals like Smile Builders - Robyn Lesser DMD
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