How do I get my 3yr old to brush her teeth?
I have a three year old daughter and I have the toughest time brushing her teeth. I have acutally tried letting her do it herself and then I would go back and do them and she has a tantrum. I've tried singing and playing like we are removing some of her favorite characters from her mouth. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Answers:
Scaring a kid is definitly not the way to do it... Doesn't work right for potty-training, doesn't work for dental hygiene either.
Did you went back to brushing those teeth yourself because you thought she wasn't doing it right? She'll need a lot of practise before she gets it.
Have you brought her to the dentist yet? If not, well this is a right time to do it. Get her an appointment. The hygienist will explain how everything works and probably get you one of those cute beginners kit. Just make sure you can be in the room with her to repeat the instructions the hygienist will give.
If you don't want to pay a fortune, they have nice little books/comics for kids at the library that can do the trick.
The important thing is to make it fun! After all, you want her to keep brushing her teeth all her life, traumatising her with anger or bug-stories will do everything but help.
Remember that the premium ingredient when teaching children is patience, patience, patience...
At work we tell the kids that they have cavity bugs in their mouths. Most kids will let you brush their teeth if they think bugs are in there. Sounds like you are really trying...does she like going to the dentist? If not tell her if she doesn't brush her teeth she will have to go a lot. It is very important to brush her teeth so she will get into the habbit as she gets older..if you have to, sit on her and have someone help you brush her teeth. I know that sounds really mean but we do that at work.we don't sit on them but we do hold them down. Good luck! Keep trying!
when you brush, she brush too the point is setting an example...
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Show her the ugly side of not brushing her teeth. She should know what's disgusting at the age of 3.
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Sit her up on the sink and play "dentist" with her. You brush her teeth and let her brush yours.
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The electirc toothbrushes have been a big help for me. My daughter thinks they are fun and she likes to imitate me. I still have days though where I literally have to make her do it. I just end up having to hold her mouth open and do it against her will. Its no fun, but its a must! Good luck!
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I always told my daughter to get rid of the sugar bugs.
Can you get some of those pills that turn your teeth red? They are used to show plaque on the teeth, but it comes off when you brush. She would have to brush to get it off. But then again, a 3 yr. old might like pink teeth.
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Hi! I'm proud of you for understanding how important it is for a child to brush at this age and the good hygiene pattern it will establish in the future for healthy teeth. I had a child that would NOT brush for any reward or threat. Until Mom found the Wiggles. This worked great and they watched the movie and then went and both brushed their teeth. However, this is only one suggestion. Find a movie/book about brushing and watch and do it together. A reward after is also a good positive reinforcement. If Dora brushes her teeth, so do we!! You have to find what the child's bank it and use it. What they want to do or see is critical on brushing their teeth. The good news is they will out grow this if you are persistant. If you let her slide, so will her brushing. Strong arming never works, but see and do tends to. Children will tend to join up it they see it as fun and different. Try a different brush and colorful sparkling toothpaste. Get a glass with a plastic fish that floats in the bottom and other gadgets that get her attention in the bathroom to brush. Offer to read a book if she brushes and 2 if she brushes 2 times a day. Be creative. My one kid hated brushing and I practice dentistry!! So I got all the necessary gadgets and toys and he finally told me he hated the taste of the toothpaste. So we got grape and problem solved. At work I give out stickers. This is a real plus. They are cheap and I keep rolls for each of the age groups. They get extra stickers for brushing at home so I give them a big A+ sticker as my favorite patient. Ask your dentist to do that when you take her for her check-ups. A stranger can get a child's attention sometimes better than a parent, does she have a favorite relative/friend of yours that can brush with her a time or 2? This can help tremendously with the praise and hugs. Be persistant, this will pass and she will love you for it in the end for making her do this when she has trouble free teeth. If you have any other questions, please ask. Marie
Make it fun with sparkling toothe paste and a cool tooth brush. You should give her something, like a treat or something, so she'll want to do it.
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