Tooth Brushing: The DOs and DON'Ts for Kids | Tech | Discuss

Melissa said:

Brushing kids’ teeth can be extremely challenging. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is establish a routine with brushing your children’s teeth. Here are some things to do, and not do, when it comes to keeping your child's teeth healthy and clean.

DOs

Use distractions. When most patients’ moms ask me how to brush teeth when they have a wiggly kid, I usually suggest brushing their teeth in the bath. Sounds funny, right. I can tell you it does work. Most kids love to bathe and are surrounded by toys. While they are playing and splashing, use…

I think giving kids a timer (at least to some kids) might be a little 'boring' because they tend to 'zone out' while waiting for the timer to go off.  I taught my daughter to 'sing in her head' while brushing her teeth.  I've suggested singing "Happy Birthday to Me" three times … and have even made up songs:

'Brush brush brush our teeth, every single day…

Morning, noon, and at night, even after play …

Brush brush brush our teeth, every single day …

Up, down, all around, and even any way ….'

She's always had fun while brushing her teeth, and has always kept interested because this way she was actively participating in the brushing.