Brush, Floss, and Clean Your Teeth!

How many times has the following scenario played out nightly in homes across the world? 

Just before your child heads off to bed, you gently remind them to brush their teeth.  Either your request is met with outright resistance comparable to a Civil War battle or, if your child is as sneaky as I was, they run upstairs to "brush" their teeth (read as: do anything and everything except brush their teeth).  I think I was 6 or 7 before I finally figured out that a dry toothbrush was a dead give away to my mom that I hadn't actually brushed my teeth.  Instead of changing my ways and just brushing my teeth when I said I would, most of the time I just went into the bathroom and ran my toothbrush under water for a few minutes.  Sound familiar?

So what is it about brushing teeth that has kids running in fear or concocting all sorts of lies just to get out of doing it?  Its not like its a painful thing, especially if done on a regular basis.  Perhaps its an assertion of independence or maybe the toothpaste just doesn't taste good.  Likely, its just not fun.  After scouring the Internet and accessing the knowledge of our amazing doctors and dental assistants, here are some things you can do to (hopefully) get your kids excited about brushing their teeth.

- Use a tooth brushing chart.  One of our favorites can be found HERE (its free!)
- Lead by example.  Brush your teeth with your children.  Make it a family affair.  As you're brushing your teeth together, shout out areas to be brushed as you go - "Now brush your tongue!"  "Left side!"
- If you child isn't too keen on letting you help brush some of those spots they've missed, let them brush your teeth first and then brush theirs.
- Get an awesome toothbrush.  It may cost a few extra dollars to get a Lightning McQueen toothbrush, but in the end it'll be worth it.
- Does your child take a daily bath?  Have them brush their toys' teeth and then brush their own in the tub.
- Use a plaque detecting pre-rinse to help kids see where they need to brush...and where they've missed.  Try Listerine's Agent Cool Blue (more information HERE).  They've got two yummy flavors: Glacier Mint and Bubble Blast.