While the greatest reward of practicing proper oral hygiene is having pretty and healthy teeth, small children will probably need some encouragement to do so until they can understand that. Recent studies have shown that praising a child for brushing their teeth can lead to them brushing more frequently and thoroughly. Here’s how to praise your child to help them develop excellent oral hygiene habits.
How Can I Encourage My Child to Brush Properly?
A major takeaway from these studies is that process-based praise is more effective than person-based praise. While person-based praise focuses on the person being praised (“You are so great at brushing your teeth!”), it can lead children to think more rigidly about how they carry out the task, and they may resist correction later as a result. Process-based praise (“You did a great job brushing your teeth!”), on the other hand, focuses on the work being carried out. This helps the child understand that they are carrying the task out properly rather than leaving them feeling entitled to praise.
How Should My Child Be Brushing Their Teeth?
Everyone should brush at least twice a day, once after breakfast and once before bed, but brushing between meals can be a great idea. Always wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing your teeth if possible. Each brushing session should last about two minutes and should cover the teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and palate. Your child should use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s important to brush gently with short, circular strokes and to treat each surface of each tooth. It’s also crucial to floss once a day to remove plaque and debris from between the teeth.
Developing proper oral hygiene habits is a crucial part of setting a child up for a lifetime of excellent overall health. While the findings of these studies only show a statistical trend rather than a causal link, they may help many parents to have a better understanding of how to teach their children how to brush. By knowing how to motivate your child to get active and interested in their oral hygiene, you can help them to have a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
About the Author
Dr. Daood Alvi earned his dental doctorate at the University of Minnesota and continues to further his education by taking postgraduate courses to expand his skillset. His office in Copperas Cove, TX offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on how to teach your child excellent oral hygiene habits, contact the office online or dial (254) 987-6777.