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Do you ever remember a time when you were a child and someone’s encouragement increased your effort? It was maybe in a sports game or being kind to others. Well, that same effect can be made on oral health choices. Research has proven that praising your child while brushing their teeth increases their effort and effectiveness. Here’s what to know about the connection and how best to do it!
The Benefits of Praising Your Child for Brushing Their Teeth
Undoubtedly, children love to be positively recognized for their talents and efforts. So, it’s wise to leverage that to help your child form great oral health habits. A study published in Child Development found that parental praise was linked to how long children persisted in brushing as well as how likely they were to remember to brush at all. While the amount of time each child spent cleaning their teeth varied from day to day, they did brush longer on days when they received praise. They also seemed to respond better to compliments than given constant instructions on how to care for their teeth.
When Should You Praise Your Child?
It’s helpful to know how to encourage your child in the right way at the right time. If you only acknowledge them when they do something perfectly, they can become discouraged if they don’t get it right every time. Instead, try praising them for the small steps they take towards brushing their teeth properly. You can tell them they did a great job when they used toothpaste or brushed in a circular motion instead of up and down strokes. This will keep them motivated and continue striving to take care of their teeth the best they can!
What Kind of Praise Should You Give?
When giving kudos to your child for maintaining their oral health, be sure to focus on the positive aspects. Instead of telling them that they did a “good job” or that they “cleaned all the germs away”, try focusing on specific things they accomplished. Here are some examples:
- “I noticed you brushed in circles today. That helps keep your teeth clean!”
- “Wow! You used your fluoride toothpaste. Your teeth will be so strong.”
- “That is so awesome you remembered to brush on your own.”
By reinforcing good dental practices with your little one, you will make them feel proud of themselves when they brush properly. As you encourage them for their small successes, you will help motivate them to stick to a good dental routine for years to come!
About the Author
Brush Dental and its team of dentists help you and your family have the healthiest smiles possible. With a board-certified pediatric dentist on staff, your child will receive the best care possible to maintain their oral health. They also have flexible hours during the evenings and weekends to conveniently help you keep your family’s pearly whites in top condition. To schedule a checkup, contact them through their website or call (469) 723-4000.
