I Can Do it Myself!

Simple Ways to Let Your Kids Take Control of the Toothbrush

As parents, it’s hard to know when to hand the reigns over to our kids, especially when it comes to brushing teeth. We want them to know that they really can do it themselves, yet we need to be sure they are doing a really good job so they don’t end up spending too much time in the chair at the dentist.

Teach Your Children Well

Pediatric dental experts agree that the best first step to better brushing is to help our kids understand that teeth are a very important part of the body , and that keeping them clean will keep them healthy.

They also recommend brushing our children’s teeth as long as they will allow, since parents are simply going to do a better job than kids.

Once the child lays down the law and says they’re ready to do it themselves, parents are still encouraged to check how well the child has brushed, and to feel free to go over spots that may need more attention.

You’re the expert when it comes to your kids, and, believe it or not, the best brushing routine for your children will come naturally as you are brushing together.

Have Fun!

My friend Meg – who is always coming up with fantastic ways to make things really fun for her kids – sings her son Hugo’s favorite tune while he brushes. Guess what? When Meg’s serenading him with the “Thomas the Tank Engine” theme song, Hugo does a fantastic job brushing his teeth.

There are lots of ways you can make brushing fun, and I want to hear all of your creative solutions for fantastic brushing. Tell me what works (or doesn’t) for you, or any questions you might have. If we use your questions or suggestions in a blog, I will send you a free box of EvoraKids.

One great way to help your kids learn how to brush their own teeth is by explaining each step of what you are doing while brushing your own teeth.  Letting them watch you helps create context for them.  Then repeat the same step by step instructions as your child brushes.  Here is a great video from Sesame Street about  kids who love to brush their teeth.

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Follow these training sessions brushing together until you feel like they really understand how to do a good job, and then let them teach you.  Lots of positive encouragement will help create the incentive to repeat good brushing so be generous with the praise. 

You’ll know when the time is right to let the kids brush their own teeth – they’re doing a good job on their own, they understand how to get those hard-to-reach spots and know to ask for help if they need it.

Get Visual

It’s also helpful to look online for animations that can show kids a different perspective on brushing on tooth health, brushing and flossing with your children, giving them a visual to go along with the information you’re sharing.

And Easy Way to Boost Tooth Health

Something kids can do on their own to support tooth health is to use EvoraKids Oral Care probiotics after brushing in the morning and the evening. These beneficial bacteria help crowd out the harmful bacteria that often lives in plaque.

Within a few weeks, your children will be brushing their teeth without any help from you, and with the added help of EvoraKids Oral Care Probiotics, you can rest assured you have given them everything they need for a lifetime of good oral care.