You don't want your child to brush their teeth using a smartphone or tablet application? Then there are numerous analogue tools and tricks that you can use to get your child excited about brushing their teeth. Below you will find 5 simple but effective motivational aids for children.
1. Let the child choose the toothbrush
The simplest trick is to take your child shopping with you and let them choose their own toothbrush. There is now a large selection of children's toothbrushes. Your child will definitely enjoy brushing their teeth even more if their favorite comic heroes or characters from well-known TV shows are there.
2. Use books to stimulate interest in brushing teeth
There are numerous great and exciting children's books, radio plays and music CDs on the subject of brushing teeth and dental health.
Tip
Take a longer visit to your bookstore and browse the selection together with your child.
Long Beach dentist suggests ultimate classic "Karius and Baktus", a book by the Swedish author Thorbjörn Egner. The funny story about Jens, who doesn't like brushing his teeth, has been a hit for generations. The two sweets fans Karius and Baktus try to build an apartment in his mouth. At the same time, the book provides important information about brushing your teeth in a fun way.
“Karius and Baktus” is available as a book (in the new edition), as a radio play and as a film. Nostalgic fans of the first hour can find the original radio play from 1980 on YouTube. The classic is guaranteed to captivate even the little ones who don't like brushing their teeth.
3. Brushing each other's teeth
Why not swap roles: let your child brush your teeth. This method works particularly well when a child is still small and doesn't like having their teeth brushed. Your child will definitely find it very funny to brush your teeth, especially if something goes wrong. Since children learn primarily by imitation, older siblings can also be included in the tooth-brushing game. Younger children usually look up to them - this makes them even more motivated.
4. Brushing your teeth with music
Music is a distraction and creates a good mood. Play your child's favorite song while brushing your teeth or sing a funny song yourself. There are now special toothbrushing songs on children's CDs or YouTube. These songs or videos about brushing your teeth are usually between 2 and 3 minutes long. This way your child knows straight away how long they have to brush for.
If the length of time it takes to brush your teeth often leads to arguments, you can also buy a special toothbrushing clock. It shows the brushing time clearly so that your child knows exactly how much longer they have to brush. Some clocks also have light and sound effects. This provides additional distraction and fun while brushing.
5. Praise and rewards can work wonders
Don't take it for granted if your child brushes his teeth without complaining. Praise the child every time and tell him how well he brushed. The child will be happy and proud to have done something right.
Don't forget the principle of rewards when brushing teeth - especially for children for whom other suggestions don't work. For example, you can give your child a smiley on his personal toothbrushing list for every time he brushes his teeth without complaining. If he gets a smiley every day, there might be a small reward waiting for him at the end of the week. This doesn't always have to be something material. Just take a trip to the playground or let your child decide what to eat.
Conclusion: How to Make Brushing Your Teeth Fun
Of course, toothbrushing apps or toothbrushing videos for children are no substitute for regular visits to the dentist. But they do make daily dental care fun. This ensures that even small children enjoy using their toothbrush regularly.
But your child should understand and internalize why brushing their teeth is so important. So make them aware in a playful way that poor oral hygiene has serious consequences: cavities or toothache can develop.
It's up to you whether you use accompanying apps or prefer books, audio plays or videos. Because children like variety and get bored quickly, a combination of different supporting media is certainly a good idea.