At Walker Pediatric Dentistry, our dental services for kids include a number of preventive areas. From cleanings and flossing to X-rays and other important examinations, we can help keep your child’s oral health in great condition.

One of the most important areas here is brushing. Even the best children’s dentist can only have so much impact here, as brushing is something that’s done at home on a regular basis – with that in mind, here are a few tips we offer parents of children who are reluctant to brush or having trouble sticking with it for the entire two minutes on their own.

Make it a Tandem Brush

Many children, especially younger ones, will mimic virtually anything their parents do. You’re the role model, after all, and they want to be just like you. This extends to the realm of oral health, as well.

If your child is having trouble brushing, start a routine where you brush with them. Keep things fun and light, offering little tips where appropriate and making sure they brush or the entire two minutes twice a day. By learning that you do this as well, and seeing how simple it can be, many brushing issues will be eliminated.

Keep them Focused

Some children are fine with brushing twice a day, but struggle to maintain two minutes per session due to focus and distraction issues. There are several ways you can help them with this focus, from watching a tooth-brushing video to making the brushing time into a fun game with little rewards at the end. Keep things both educational and practical here.

Try Electric Options

Apart from being more entertaining and attention-grabbing for many children, electric toothbrush options are also more practical for many younger kids. They don’t require as much physical motion or detailed dexterity, for one, and they also have built-in timers that essentially force kids to brush for the full two minutes. There are a number of electric models out there specifically designed for kids, with easy holding options and a smaller brush head that easily contours to their teeth.

For more on helping reluctant brushers get more comfortable, or to learn about any of our other family dentist services, speak to the staff at Walker Pediatric Dentistry today.