by Cristina Mohr

Created on: October 30, 2008   Last Updated: February 24, 2009

Is getting your child to brush like pulling teeth? For months, I was in your shoes. I'd get complaints, crying, even tantrums, but it would take hours to finally co-herce my son to at east let me brush them. I've tried explaining to him why we need to keep our teeth clean, which worked a few times, but it never stuck. I even went so far as to scare my son with the comment that his teeth would fall out if he didn't. However, I didn't want to resort to scare tactics.

I sat down a while to ponder this canundrum. I researched what resources I had available to me to make the task easier.

I researched the manual brush versus the electronic brush and I realized that an electric toothbrush will clean my child's teeth more thoroughly than a manual. Bear in mind that, depending on the child, he or she may fear the electric toothbrush. My child didn't go for it at the start. I asked him why he was afraid of the electric toothbrush and he stated that he doesn't like the sounds nor the movements, which is most likely the same reason for your child. So, I explained to him what it is that makes those noises and movements, using some online aids like http://www.explainthatstuff.com/electrictoothbrush.h tml. If this strategy doesn't work, stick with the manual, for now, an ask them every few months if they're ready to switch to the electric one. Which ever they chose, consider their favorite characters or let them chose their own toothbrush. You might want to consider one of those singing toothbrushes, but they are spendy.

Review the childrens' toothpastes to see which you would prefer for your child. Take into consideration that many mint flavored pastes may be too strong for your little one! Be open to at least two or three toothpaste options then let your child chose one from those options. Also be alert that chemicals that prevent tartar are too strong for toddlers, which is why they make a line of toddler geared toothpaste.

Next, I explained to my child why we need to brush our teeth; I ask my son if he wanted to stay healthy and he said yes. I asked him if he wanted to keep his teeth in his mouth and e said yes. Then, using the easy explanations at http://www.teachingheart.net/teeth.html, I explained that keeping our teeth clean, keeps our entire body healthy. I explained that our teeth stay strong when they stay clean. I aslo told him that our breath smells good when we brush our teeth.

Then, I showed my son how to brush his teeth. Here are some online video aids:

Here's an old black and white dental hygiene demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGGJ1Rw9uNM

How to Brush Your Teeth Demo on a stuffed Alligator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BidkMZNjR8A

Another How to Brush for older kids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_lOfpMmlHA

A fun Sesame Street toothbrushing encouragement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrJaN-OD1ig

I next set a specific time every morning and every night for him to brush to create routined habit. I even brush my teeth with him, to enforce in him teeth brushing importance.

My newly found extra weapon is Listerine Smart Rinse. (See my review of the product at http://www.viewpoints.com/Pfizer-Listerine-Smart-Rin se-Anticavity-Fluoride-Rinse-Berry-Sheild-review-b52 b3 My son prefers Raspberry and loves it. He enjoys the mild taste and the bacteria and food particle reveal really works! He was taught and does gargle properly and thinks it's hilarious to see the missed particles in the sink.

These tools worked in my case, and while there are slip-ups, this plan has brought the best results for my child. I wish you well in your dental hygiene crusade. Happy brushing!

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