Brushing two times a day for two minutes is vital to your child’s dental health. There is no myth to be busted here but for most of us managing toddlers, two minutes can feel like an eternity especially when they are resisting getting their teeth brushed. First, they may hide away or continually tell us to wait. Then, when we actually ‘catch’ them, they may start fussing and giving excuses (some can even change the topic!). Finally, when you get the toothbrush into their mouth, they may act like they are suffocating.
Mums, you deserve an award every day just for this!
However, do you know that there are simpler ways to get them to brush their teeth? The trick is to inject fun during what they deem as a torturous session.
Brush Your Teeth Together
Have you ever played ‘Monkey See, Monkey Do’ when you were a little kid, where you mimic whatever the ‘lead monkey’ is doing?
This little game of mimic is an ideal game to play when you want your kid to do something they are not used to—like brushing their teeth!
Involve your spouse and your other kid(s) too because the more, the merrier. Start with something generic like walking, jumping or running on the spot before you proceed to pick up a toothbrush. Because everyone is doing it, your child would be so involved in trying to keep up, they will be brushing their teeth with less hassle for you. Besides turning it into a family bonding activity, your child is also learning how to brush their teeth correctly.
Sing a Song
There is a reason why Cocomelon is such a hit with children these days, as with Sesame Street 20-odd years ago. Song and dance always captures the hearts and minds of children.
Don’t just hear it from us; research confirms that music creates and reinforces a special, personal bond between a child with an adult. Somehow, young children enjoy listening to songs and rhymes.
According to Music and the Child, a book written by Natalie Sarrazin, an Associate Professor of Music at the College of Brockport, music activity engages the child’s aural and physical being. Responding to a musical beat is something natural to humans, and children are always ready to respond with the guidance of an adult.
How does this help with teeth brushing?
Incorporating music and movement will do wonders!
You can try singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” using the words below. It is catchy and takes your child’s attention off the brushing while they get it done.
Brush, brush, brush your teeth.
Till it starts to gleam;
Up and down and round and round
Brush until they’re clean!
You can use other nursery rhymes to aid the process. Switch out the words with rhyming ones that involve the brushing of teeth.
Go Shopping for Their Dental Kit
As soon as young children learn how to grasp items, crawl, waddle and walk, they are gaining autonomy over things they didn’t have before. From that age, they want to be independent though they are not able to do everything on their own—and that is why sometimes it is tough for us parents to handle.
One of the ways to give autonomy to your child in the case of brushing their teeth is to bring them shopping for their dental kit. It prepares them for what is to come, and they think they had a part to play in it.
When shopping for their dental kit, be sure to let them choose from the children’s oral care section.
Why?
Smaller brush heads can make it easier for kids to reach all their teeth, and do a more thorough job of cleaning them. Toothpaste that comes in child-friendly flavours can help them look forward to their nightly brushing routine. When they have all of these in their favour, it can result in more brushing and less complaining.
Characters That Inspire
Children love superheroes or super characters that inspire. Do you realise that after watching cartoons and educational shows, your children start to pick up on their vocabulary and in some instances, their accent too?
Your child can also pick up brushing habits from these kinds of characters. Many children’s shows and books have stories about brushing. Watch or read them together, so when it’s time for them to brush their teeth, you can use that character as a good example.
One example is Mopea!
If you don’t already know, Mopea is every child’s dental BFF—that is, best friends forever. Mopea is an animated friend your child can befriend to make oral care fun. He is the shape of a nurdle of toothpaste—so every time your child pitches out a nurdle of toothpaste on their toothbrush, they’ll remember Mopea!
Reward Them for a Job Well Done
After going through all the fun activities listed above, they would have succeeded in brushing their teeth. But dear parents, don’t leave it at that!
One way to motivate any child is through a reward system. Try implementing a star chart or another reward system to encourage your child to brush morning and night. You can give them multiple stars per session. One can be for the brushing, another can be brushing correctly and one more can be for their attitude towards brushing.
Once they achieve a predetermined number of stars, they can be rewarded with something they like – but to ensure that your goal towards healthy oral care for your children; we advise against candy or sugary treats as rewards because that defeats the whole purpose of dental hygiene.
Introducing MorningKiss Junior Oral Care
If your children detest their oral care routine, try using MorningKiss Junior.
The toothbrush comes in two lovely colours, baby pink and sky blue. Both types come with a cushioned brush head with extra soft bristles for their little teeth. There is also a tongue-cleaning massager on the back of the brush and a non-slip grip on the handle so it does not fall off your toddler’s hand.
If this is their first time, consider getting the convenient starter pack that comes in a little pouch.
Additionally, MorningKiss toothpaste is free from no-good ingredients like SLS, parabens, fluoride and saccharin. Hence, it is safe if swallowed—perfect for those below six years.
If your child is sensitive to taste, the ordinary mint flavour will not cut it! That is why MorningKiss toothpaste comes in either strawberry or orange flavour. Just pea-sized is enough!
Morning Kiss is a localised oral care Malaysian brand owned by Yee Lee Group. The brand has been in Malaysia for 35 years. MorningKiss understands local needs and is considered the best companion for your child when beginning their oral routine. With Mopea, the MorningKiss Junior mascot, time to brush their teeth becomes a fun routine.
Buy MorningKiss Junior products from these links below today!
Shopee: https://bit.ly/3IcxN2J
Lazada: https://bit.ly/3JOevRW
Don’t delay when it comes to your child’s oral hygiene. The faster you start the easier it is to inculcate the habit.
Start today with MorningKiss!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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