Encouraging Your Child to Floss and Brush Teeth

Do you have a reluctant brusher or flosser?  A child who drags their feet to brush their teeth in the morning or at night?  Here are some tips to try to encourage your young child to brush more often.

  • Make brushing and flossing part of a daily routine.  Making brushing a natural part of every day will help reinforce to your child it's just something they do, like getting dressed in the morning.
  • Let them pick out dental supplies.  Young kids are more likely to opt in if they have choice.  Let them choose a favorite color toothbrush or a different kind of fluoride toothpaste.  This makes them feel like part of the dental process.
  • Create a rewards chart.  Sometimes kids just need a little push to make brushing or flossing a regular part of the day.  Hang up a rewards chart where kids earn a sticker for each time they brush or floss without you needing to remind them.  When they collect 20 stickers, give them a modest prize.
  • Show them you brush and floss too.  Being a good example to your kids goes a long way in showing that dental care is important at your house.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to serve all your child's dental needs.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.