Learning to brush our teeth is an essential skill that sets a strong foundation for good oral hygiene. However, getting kids to brush their teeth regularly can be challenging for both parents and educators. Many children find brushing boring, resist routine tasks, or don’t understand proper techniques. So where do you start? Why is it so difficult for some kids to brush their teeth? How can we get them excited and proficient in this habit, so it doesn’t end up turning into a battle? This blog will explore creative, fun methods to teach kids about brushing their teeth, and tips to set kids up for success.
Let’s start with the challenges in teaching kids to brush their teeth
Lack of interest
Many kids find brushing their teeth boring or unimportant, leading to resistance and neglect of their dental care routine. To address this you might consider the following:
- Incorporate fun elements: Use a toothbrush with their favourite character or a fun colour. Choose a toothpaste flavour they enjoy.
- Make it a game: Turn brushing into a game or challenge. For example, pretend they are brushing away “sugar bugs” or use a reward system with stickers for each successful brushing session.
- Interactive tools: Use apps and videos that make brushing fun. Many apps provide interactive experiences with games and songs that children can follow while brushing.
- Education: Talk about the importance of brushing their teeth, you may consider using developmentally-appropriate books here.
Children who are sensory sensitive
These children with sensory sensitivities may find the sensations associated with brushing teeth overwhelming. Here are some strategies to help make tooth brushing more comfortable for sensory-sensitive kids:
- Gradual desensitisation: Gradually introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste. Start by letting your child explore and play with them without actually brushing.
- Sensory play: Incorporate sensory play that involves oral sensations, such as chewing on rubber toys or using a vibrating toothbrush on their hands first.
- Choose the right tools: Use a toothbrush with extra-soft bristles to minimise discomfort. Some children prefer silicone toothbrushes. Select a toothpaste with a mild or no flavour to avoid overwhelming your child’s senses. Consider non-foaming toothpaste if the texture is an issue.
- Create a calm environment: Reduce overstimulation and minimise distractions in the bathroom. Use dim lighting and keep noise levels low to create a calm atmosphere.
- Routine and predictability: Establish a consistent brushing routine to provide a sense of security and predictability.
- Control and choice: Let your child have some control over the process. Allow them to choose their toothbrush and toothpaste and decide the order of brushing.
- Deep pressure input: Incorporate deep pressure activities, such as a firm hug or gentle massage, before brushing to help calm your child’s sensory system.
Challenges to new routines
Sometimes children resist routine tasks, especially new tasks that are challenging for them. To address this you might consider the following:
- Consistent schedule: Establish a consistent daily schedule for brushing, making it a non-negotiable part of their morning and bedtime routines.
- Social story: Consider using a social story with children, so they know what to expect and the different steps to brushing their teeth.
- Involve them: Let children choose their toothbrush and toothpaste. Giving them a sense of control and ownership.
- Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, rewards, or a fun activity after brushing. Highlight the importance of the routine in a positive way.
- Acknowledge feelings: If the child becomes heightened / upset. Acknowledge and validate their feelings, while encouraging them to continue. E.g “I’m wondering if you are feeling worried about brushing your teeth, it’s okay to feel worried. This is something new. Let’s try brushing our teeth together”.
Misunderstanding proper techniques
Kids often struggle with the correct techniques for brushing. Here are some teeth brushing strategies you might consider:
- Demonstrate proper technique: Show your child how to brush by demonstrating on yourself or using a model of teeth. Emphasise brushing all surfaces with gentle circular motions.
- Use visual aids: Place visual aids like posters or step-by-step charts in the bathroom at eye level to remind them of the proper technique.
- Supervise and assist: Initially, supervise and assist them while they brush to ensure they are using the correct techniques. Gradually let them take over as they become more proficient.
General tips to support teeth brushing
Preparation strategies (before brushing)
Choose the right tools
- Select the right toothbrush! You may need to experiment with different styles of toothbrushes to find a good fit for the child’s preferences.
- Experiment with different toothpaste flavours, trying to find a flavour they like.
Set up a fun environment
- Consider decorating the bathroom with a theme the child loves. You might add step-by-step visuals to help prompt the child with the steps to brushing their teeth. Creating an inviting theme can help encourage the child to feel safe and relaxed in the bathroom environment (which can be difficult for some kids).
- Create a dedicated brushing station with a mirror at the right height for your child.
Educational resources
- Watch fun and educational videos about dental hygiene together.
- Read story books featuring characters who practise good dental habits.
Create a routine
- Establish a consistent brushing schedule, such as after breakfast and before bedtime.
- Use a visual schedule or chart to remind kids when it’s time to brush.
Lead by example
- Brush your teeth alongside your child to demonstrate proper techniques and the importance of the habit.
- Practice and make it fun! Practise brushing dolls’ teeth beforehand.
During brushing strategies
Use a timer
- Set a timer for 2 minutes to ensure kids brush for the recommended duration.
- Use a fun sand timer or a musical timer with a song they enjoy.
Proper techniques
- Teach kids to brush all surfaces of their teeth: fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.
- Show them how to use gentle circular motions and to brush their tongue as well.
Visuals
- Hang visuals with the steps to brushing teeth near eye level. You may need to help prompt each step while children are learning to brush their teeth, e.g., “Let’s turn on the tap,”
Interactive tools
- Use a smartphone app designed to make brushing fun and interactive with games and rewards.
- Consider using an electric toothbrush with built-in timers and fun features.
Fun and games
- Make up a tooth-brushing song or rhyme to sing while brushing.
- Create a brushing buddy system with toys or stuffed animals that “brush” their teeth too.
After brushing strategies
Celebrate success
- Celebrate each successful brushing session with a high-five or a small treat (e.g., a sticker).
- Give your child specific praise for what they’ve done well (e.g., brushing their teeth for 2 minutes, using good technique, etc.).
Track progress
- Use a chart to track daily brushing and consider offering larger rewards for milestones. Note that younger children benefit from more immediate rewards.
- Let kids place a sticker on the chart after each successful brush. Never remove a sticker from the chart.
Educational reinforcement
- Continue reading dental hygiene storybooks and watching educational videos to help kids understand the importance of brushing their teeth.
- Play dental hygiene-themed games to reinforce the importance of brushing.
Positive attitude
- Maintain a positive attitude about dental hygiene to make it a pleasant and normal part of daily life.
Tooth brushing resources
I’ve created several tooth brushing resources that help teachers and therapists who support children in this important life skills. Check them out at the following links if you are interested:
- Teeth brushing social narrative, visual prompts, and data collection resource
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Personal hygiene toolkit – teeth brushing, face washing, hair brushing and more!
Questions
If you have any questions or need further assistance in implementing visual schedules, please do not hesitate to get in touch here or at sophia.occupationaltherapy@gmail.com.
