Good Job! How Praise Can Help Your Child Establish a Daily Habit of Brushing Teeth

As a parent of a young child, you’re accustomed to giving encouragement and praise for the little things they do. Going to the bathroom and using the potty may seem routine for older children, but it is a big deal while they are still learning, and rewarding their successes with praise can motivate them to continue progressing. The same concept applies to brushing teeth!

In this post, you’ll learn why developing this habit early in life is essential, why praise is important in the process, and how to properly encourage your child to brush for the full two minutes twice every day.

Brushing Early

Especially while your child is young, it can be tricky to get them to brush their teeth, but this habit needs to be encouraged early on in life. In addition to regular dental checkups and cleanings, brushing is a skill they need from the moment their first tooth erupts all the way through adulthood. Typically, parents start to allow children to brush their own teeth around the age of three, when they have a little more dexterity and control over their hands. However, even at this stage, parental supervision and follow-up brushing are needed to ensure efficient cleaning.

Why You Should Praise Your Child for Brushing Their Teeth

At first, it can feel silly to make a big deal about brushing teeth because it’s a daily task everyone must do. Although caring for their teeth is a responsibility they must do without praise eventually, it can take some practice in the beginning. Not only are they learning to develop the dexterity for brushing, but they are learning the importance of brushing every day for their oral health!

Studies have found that when parents praise their children’s efforts to brush the kids are more likely to consistently brush longer. More time spent brushing means achieving a more effective clean, which in turn reduces the chances of damaging tooth decay.

The Wrong Kind of Praise

Believe it or not, there’s a right and wrong way to praise your child when it comes to brushing their teeth. You should avoid personal praise, such as “good girl,” and instead focus on their efforts or the process of brushing by saying something like, “Good job brushing, buddy.” This kind of praise encourages the behavior without impacting the child’s sense of self-worth.

In the end, your child will eventually come to accept and learn that brushing their teeth is just a usual part of their daily routine without giving it a second thought. By starting early and giving them appropriate praise for brushing, you can instill healthy habits that can lead to a healthy smile for a lifetime!

About the Practice

Out of the five doctors at Chicago Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we have three board-certified pediatric dentists on staff. Dr. Justin, Dr. Deric, and Dr. Bindi may come from various backgrounds, but we share a passion for helping children learn healthy oral habits to prevent cavities and other issues from happening in the first place. If your child is due for a dental checkup and cleaning, you can contact us by calling the office at 312-766-0995 or requesting an appointment here.