How to get daughter to brush teeth???

Question

I have a 9 year old who does not want to brush her teeth. What is the best way to get her to brush? I have tried everything, from telling her that her breath stinks to telling her that her teeth will rot out. Still, no brushing. I am big on oral hygiene. I brush mine at least 3 times a day, if not more, and floss regularly. Any advice???

Answer 1

I had this trouble with my son. I took a multi-step approach. First, they have some GREAT blue stuff out now that shows all the nasty plaque you missed. Nobody wants that on their teeth!

Second, I got some great tasting kids toothpaste (Walmart). It's bubble gum flavored, and it comes in a pump...so it's more fun.

Third, every time we were out and some waitress or cashier would have really nasy teeth, I would quietly point it out. I would say something like "her mom must not have taught her to brush her teeth right. That's what happens to your teeth. Isn't that sad? After a while, he really began to notice people's teeth, and he would make a face at me if they were bad.

Fourth, I bought a battery operated toothbrush that spins and has a timer that goes for two minutes.

Fifth, I AM THE REGULATOR! Don't forget you are the parent! I didn't have to do it for long, but I made sure he was brushing really good in the morning and at night. I took that oportunity to remind him of the last person we saw with bad teeth if he tried to skip brushing. It didn't take too for it to become a habit. Now I just sneak check every so often.

You can also have a reward chart for kids at this age. You get a star for making your bed, one for brushing, one for putting your clothes in laundry.. etc. So many stars for the week equals a special reward. Maybe they get to pick the video rental or a special desert, or even save the star coupons up to get something bigger, like working towards a game they want. It sure beats paying the dentist for fillings!

Also, ask your daughter what SHE thinks the two of you could do to help her remember to brush, and what kind of punishment she should have if she doesn't. Even children take more responsibility for their actions when they are involved in the decisions. Then make sure you follow through.

Answer 2

I have the same problem and mine are bigger kids.

Let her pick her toothbrush (from perhaps 3 you choose). Buy the flavored toothpastes. There is even a toothbrush that plays music for about 3 minutes, which is how long you should brush.

Rewards work better than threats. Keep track of how she does and reward her with small treats like renting/buying her favorite movie, a manicure or something she likes.

You brush 3 times a day, but most people can get away with twice a day. You may try making it part of her waking up and going to bed routine.

Barring any success, talk to the dentist about sealants, which could protect her teeth at least temporarily.

Mine are better now, but it's an uphill struggle that many parents face.

Answer 3

Brush at the same time as her, morning and night. Or just stand in the doorway and watch her brush till she finishes. Dont say anything, make it as akward as possible, and let her know that you wouldn't have to watch her if she did it on her own. If you really want her to brush, you should have no problem making her, since you are the parent.

You could also remind her that if she doesn't brush, she will pay for her own dental cleanings. If she has an allowance, take away a dollar for each time she doesn't brush, whether or not she "forgets" to. Put the dollars in a jar, and you can give her back some money at the end of a week if she remembers to brush every time during the week.

Answer 4

After my 3 kids had their visits to the dentist recently, I never had a problem with them brushing their teeth since. Especially my 9 year old. He ended up need to make about 3 or 4 visits to have work done due to bad brushing. Nothing gets their rears in gear like having the dentist sticking a needle in their gums and drilling and filling their teeth! LOL

I found that my kids really enjoyed the electric toothbrushes. Has she tried one of those? They kinda take all the work out of brushing your teeth, so she may be more willing. If all else fails, just brush her teeth yourself! She'll probably get embarrased and not like it and decide to do it herself. As for the floss, the little Plackers or the dissposable ready made flosser that are on a stick are great!

Answer 5

I would tell her to brush her teeth cause she does not want a tooth ache. That is the worst pain in the world, thats what I would tell her. I have a 3 year old littile sister that doesn't like to brush her teeth either. She also eats allot of candy so what I do is get her tooth brush and tell her to brush our no more candy. If she doesnt listen to that I just brush them for her. I hope this helps....

Answer 6

Listerine has a new rinse product that will stain the plaque, etc. on your teeth so you can see where you need to brush. See the link below for product information and more ideas.

Have your daughter try it so she can see the dirt for herself & how well she can brush it away.

Let her choose her own special toothbrush in her favorite color and toothpaste. Try to make it part of her beauty/grooming routine.

The other thing is to avoid threats & scare tactics. Give her a gold star for each day she brushes properly. Figure out an appropriate reward for a certain # of gold stars.

Answer 7

You can get some tablets from her dentist or your local pharmacy that dye her teeth red. It doesn't come off until her teeth are clean. They are made by GUM called Red Cote dental disclosing tablets. I had to use these on my daughters to teach them how to brush their teeth properly. Also it is absolutely safe.
Insulting will not help but embarrassing her might. Not very many little girls are willing to go out and about with red teeth.
Good Luck I've been there.

Answer 8

when i was young, i LOVED barbie. for every time i brushed my teeth, i would get a barbie sticker and..i would put it on my bed, but thats not the point. maybe, watch her brush her teeth and keep track. if she brushes for, say 35 days, she gets a prize. It doesn't have to be food...maybe Polly Pockets? Or have her and a friend go to a movie! That way, she'll want to brush.

Answer 9

Don't care the poor child to death.
Give her lots of praise when she does it.
How about an egg timer that sets the time she needs to brush ?
How about a star chart for every time she brushes. After 14 brushes- one week- you two can do something special together.

Answer 10

In addition to reminding her that not brushing could result in painful toothaches and future dental work, have you tried using positive rewards? Although she is not a toddler, you may end up telling her if she does NOT brush her teeth you will. You are still the parent and you are incharge. If she dosnt want to be treated like a baby, they tell her to stop acting like one.