Getting your child to brush their teeth regularly and properly can sometimes be a challenge. Finding ways to make it fun, rather than a chore, often helps, which is why we wanted to make you aware of a fun event you and your children can join in with as part of National Smith Month. The Great British Brushathon takes place on 3rd June 2021 and will connect people from around the world in a huge, communal toothbrushing event!
If this sounds like the perfect excuse to get your children involved and interested in brushing their teeth, read on for some information on how you can take part, as well as some top tips to encourage them to follow a good oral health routine.
Get involved in the Great British Brushathon
When? - Wednesday 2nd June 2021 at 9am
Where? - From your bathroom, anywhere!
How? - Share a selfie of you and your family brushing their teeth
Why? - To promote the value of brushing your teeth and having a healthy smile
Simply post your photo on your favourite social media channels and use the hashtags #SmileMonth and #GreatBritishBrushathon to join in the Great British Brushathon. Tag your friends to encourage them to take part and spread the word far and wide that looking after your smile is great for your teeth, gums and overall health.
Tag in Dentalia to your conversation so we can keep an eye on all of your fantastic photos! Connect with us below:
Dentalia on Twitter - @dentaliadental
Dentalia on Facebook - @dentaliabasingstoke
Dentalia on Instagram - @dentaliadentalclinic
Top Tips to Get Children to Brush Their Teeth
Poor tooth brushing at a young age not only puts children at risk of tooth decay, discomfort and pain but it can also affect the eruption of their adult teeth. If your child gets into bad habits now, they are setting themselves up for a lifetime of dental problems, pain and expense. That’s why it’s so important to encourage children to get into the routine of regular brushing. If you’re thinking this is easier said than done, we understand, which is why you might like to try some of these tips:
- Make it fun - play some upbeat music for 2 minutes to help your child brush for as long as they need to. You could even try pausing it and getting them to freeze, just like musical statues!
- Make it worth their while - we all know that children respond well to praise and rewards so why should toothbrushing be any different to other tasks? Try creating a sticker chart and add a sticker for every time your child has brushed their teeth properly. Once you reach a certain number of stickers, or at the end of each week, reward them with a small gift such as a small toy, book or pocket money.
- Make it routine - by making toothbrushing part of their daily routine, children will come to accept it as naturally as getting dressed, or putting their shoes on before they go out.
- Make it their choice - there are lots of funky toothbrushes for children featuring bright colours or their favourite characters. Letting them choose their own toothbrush will help encourage them to use it!
Worried About your Child's Oral Health?
If you have concerns about your child’s oral health or you are struggling to get them to brush properly, speak to our dental team. Call us on 01256 353033 or click here to book an appointment and we’ll be happy to show you and your child how to brush effectively and give advice on the best toothbrush types.
