Good oral hygiene, especially brushing your teeth, is an important habit that you need to develop at an early age. However, getting your daughter to brush her teeth, especially during her pre-teen years, can sometimes be a difficult task. However, there are a few different methods you can try to help make the task easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
Step 1
Purchase a special toothbrush specifically for your daughter. Look for one that is your child's favorite color or features your child's favorite television or book character. Choosing a toothbrush that your child likes and can take ownership of, may help your child be more likely to want to brush. Let your child choose their own toothbrush for an even greater connection to brushing her teeth.
Step 2
Try a musical toothbrush for your child. A musical toothbrush is designed to play music from your daughters favorite artists for the recommended amount of brush time for good oral hygiene. This helps ensure when your child does brush her teeth, she brushes them for the full amount of time. An hourglass or egg timer can work as well.
Step 3
Purchase an American Dental Association approved flavored toothpaste specifically made for children. Your 12-year-old may feel averse to the flavor of typical adult toothpaste. New toothpaste products come in a variety of flavors, helping improve the brushing experience for your daughter.
Step 4
Lead by example by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Show your child the importance of brushing by leading with your actions, while helping your own dental health at the same time.
Step 5
Set up a system of rewards and consequences for brushing or not brushing. Stay away from bribes but offer verbal praise for brushing, or possibly small rewards such as getting to watch a movie. Use the opposite for consequences, such as not getting to watch a movie if the child decides not to brush her teeth. Do not use threats of going to the dentist as a consequence, suggests Dr. David Miller, D.D.S., as this can create an unwarranted fear of the dentist.
Things You'll Need
- Special toothbrush
- Flavored toothpaste
- Timer
