Tips to Encourage Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth

November 20, 2013

Introducing your children to good oral health is very important. Some kids need help and encouragement, while others require you to be more creative with your oral hygiene care ideas. Here at our Evanston dental office, we’ve compiled some different tips and tricks that you can try to help your little one keep their smile happy and healthy.

 

Make tooth brushing time a family activity



Make tooth brushing time = family time

Brush your teeth alongside your kids. Get down on their level and let them watch how you are brushing your teeth. Alternatively, let your child sit on the sink – with your supervision, of course. This way they can see you and themselves in the mirror and they can imitate you. Make sure you exaggerate your motions, so that they can see how to brush. Tell your kids to brush like wheels – round and round – to encourage circular brushing instead of biting or chewing.


Make sure that your child is brushing every tooth. You may try counting or naming their teeth while you both brush to ensure that every tooth is clean. After you both have finished brushing, let your little one check your teeth while you “check” their teeth. This allows you to brush their teeth more thoroughly.


Sing or play music

Make up a brushing song, or use the alphabet as a measure of how long you and your child have been brushing. It also makes the whole brushing experience more fun. If you don’t have the musical gene, use “Brush DJ.” It will pull music from a specified playlist to play for two minutes while you and your child brush. If you do use music, stop singing or pause the music if your child stops brushing and let them know that it will continue when they start brushing again.


Play

Bring out stuffed animals or toys and let your child watch you brush the toy’s teeth before you brush their teeth. If your child is independent and prefers to brush their own teeth, see if they’ll let you brush their teeth while they brush the stuffed animal’s teeth.

Make up silly games to encourage your children to brush. Getting them laughing or interested will make your job easier and their teeth healthier. Try a contest to see who can make the most bubbles, or play a game.


Use plaque disclosing agents to your advantage

You can get plaque disclosing mouthwash or tablets at your local drug store or dental office. These will turn the plaque in your child’s mouth either blue or red. This gives them a goal to aim for. When their teeth are white again, all of the bacteria have been cleaned out. Check when they’re done and praise them for the job that they did. Point out any areas that they missed and show them how to clean those areas better.


Don’t forget to floss

All the brushing in the world doesn’t reach between teeth and below the gumline, so make sure to teach your kids to floss. There are lots of different flossers available to help make flossing easier. Look at your local drug store or ask your dentist for recommendations.

 

Getting your child to brush and floss shouldn’t be an unpleasant chore every day. Be creative in coming up with ideas to make it a fun activity. Remember that teaching your child good oral hygiene will set them up with good habits and a healthy smile that will last them a lifetime.

June 24, 2025
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and transformation. As your body adapts to nurture new life, your needs evolve—including your dental care. At Stephens Dentistry, we’re passionate about supporting expectant mothers through every stage of this journey. Understanding the connection between oral health and pregnancy is not just important for your smile, but for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.  How Pregnancy Impacts Oral Health Pregnancy brings about a surge in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which can have a profound effect on your gums and teeth. Many women notice changes in their oral health during pregnancy, including increased sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding gums. These shifts aren't just uncomfortable—they can also signal conditions that need attention to safeguard your overall health. Pregnancy Gingivitis: What You Need to Know One of the most common dental issues during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , up to 60–75% of pregnant women develop gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This occurs because hormonal changes heighten the body’s response to the bacteria in dental plaque. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis—a more serious gum infection that can cause tooth loss and has been linked to health risks beyond the mouth. Oral Health and Birth Outcomes The importance of oral health during pregnancy goes beyond comfort and aesthetics. Research has shown a significant link between maternal gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. A systematic review published in the Journal of Dental Research found that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver prematurely or have babies with low birth weights. Although more research is ongoing, the potential connection means that taking care of your gums and teeth is an essential part of prenatal health. Why Dental Care Shouldn’t Wait Some expectant mothers worry about dental treatments during pregnancy. The good news is that routine dental care—including cleanings and necessary treatments—are not only safe but recommended during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists confirms that preventive dental work is important and can be performed safely, especially in the second trimester. Delaying care can allow small problems to become bigger ones, and untreated infections can pose a risk to both you and your baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, scheduling a dental checkup beforehand is an excellent way to get ahead of any issues. Practical Tips for Expectant Mothers Maintaining oral health during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to keep your smile healthy throughout your pregnancy: Brush and Floss Regularly: Aim to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and reduce your risk of gingivitis. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutritious foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which support both your oral and overall health. Manage Morning Sickness: If you experience vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash rather than brushing immediately afterward, as stomach acid can soften tooth enamel. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and can also help combat dry mouth, which is common in pregnancy. Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Let your dental team know you are pregnant so they can tailor your care. At Stephens Dentistry, we take extra precautions to ensure your comfort and safety during each visit. Learn more about our preventive dental services . Recognizing When to Call Your Dentist While mild gum sensitivity is common, it’s important to reach out to your dentist if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or pain. These symptoms could indicate an infection that needs prompt attention. If you develop a dental emergency during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist—timely care is always the best choice for both you and your baby. Supporting Your Health at Stephens Dentistry At Stephens Dentistry, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized dental care for every stage of life—including pregnancy. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest guidelines and safety protocols to ensure you receive the best care possible. For more information on how we support our patients during pregnancy, visit our dental care for families page. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and your smile should be a part of it. Prioritizing your oral health is a gift to yourself and your growing family. If you have questions or want to schedule your next dental visit, contact our office —we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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