We are in the middle of the LARGEST sweet treat consumption time of the year. So what better time to let you know 5 fun and creative ways to get your kids to brush their teeth during this season (or any other time of the year!?)
Let’s jump right in!
The recommended length that your kids (and you) should be brushing your teeth per session is 2 minutes and ideally you are having at least 2 teeth brushing sessions per day. That timeframe gives an adequate amount of time to cover all of the surfaces and to maximize removing the “yuck” from your teeth.
Those brushing habits are especially important during the holiday season when kids are much more likely to eat sweet treats and NEED brushing the most!
Here are 5 creative ways to get your kids brushing for the recommended full 2 minutes during the holiday, sweet treat season!
1. TELL A TWO MINUTE STORY
Kids LOVE spending time with you, especially when the focus is all on them! Make the 2 minutes of teeth brushing something they look forward to everyday by telling them a story while they brush! It could be a story that you make up, or an old family favorite that you take the time to entertain them for the full two minutes.
Make it exciting by turning the lights off and really getting animated while telling the story! If you’re really good, you’ll have the kiddos asking you to brush their teeth all day long!
2. INCENTIVES WORK – SANTA IS WATCHING!
I think it’s safe to say that the phenomenon of using “Elf on the Shelf” to incentivize kids to be on their best behavior during the holiday season WORKS. (Money Magazine reported 11 million elves were in homes back in 2017!)
Use that same method with toothbrushing! “He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you brush your teeth” is an easy incorporation into the holidays that encourages brushing! It’s way less work than “Elf on a Shelf” and you can use this incentive all year long!
3. USE ELECTRIC SELF-TIMED TOOTHBRUSHES
One of the easiest methods to ensure that your kids are brushing those sweet treats off of their teeth for the full 2 minutes is by investing in an electric toothbrush that has a self timer and turns off after the two minutes of brushing.
This is an easy, no stress method that ends the question of when enough brushing is enough and gives the kids a definitive timeline. While not quite as ”fun” as the other methods, this is easily one of the most effective ways to get the two minutes of brushing in without complaint.
4. PLAY A CHRISTMAS SONG
Look through your Christmas song playlist for a song that is about 2 minutes in length and make playing the song part of your holiday toothbrushing tradition! ( Bonus, you can switch to a 2 minute non-holiday song after the season!)
Play the song, dance and brush and make brushing your teeth a fun and memorable part of the holiday season!
5. Create a “TOOTHPASTE BAR”
Sometimes something as simple as having options for brushing can make the whole process of brushing more fun!
Imagine walking into your bathroom and having a few different types of toothpastes to choose from!
Any kid would think choosing from an assortment of different flavors and characters each morning and night would be a fun part of their brushing routine!
During Christmas, you can even add in seasonal toothpaste flavors!
Getting your kids to brush their teeth each morning and night for two minutes can be a challenge on the best of days. During the holiday season, it’s even more important to brush away the sweet treats of the day.
We hope this list has helped give you ideas on how to make brushing a staple in your holiday routine!
Did you know that we are now seeing kids/families at Nightingale Family Dental? Dr. Jimmy and Dr. Lisa have created a full service dental family office serving families in Spokane Valley.
We are currently scheduling full family appointments to help make seeing the dentist more efficient!
Give us a call today at 509-927-5909 to make your full family appointment!