Getting your child to brush their teeth twice a day can sometimes feel like a battle. Between bedtime resistance and busy morning routines, even a two-minute brushing session can become a challenge. But what if one small change in how you respond could help make toothbrushing easier? Research suggests that praising your child may encourage them to stick with the task longer and build positive habits over time.
What Does Research Say About Praising Kids?
A study published in Child Development explored how parents’ words relate to young children’s persistence during everyday toothbrushing. Researchers observed 81 families with children around three years old over 16 days, analyzing videos of the children’s brushing routines.
The results were encouraging: Children tended to spend more time brushing on days when their parents offered more praise. In contrast, children tended to brush for less time when parents used more instructions, such as reminders to keep brushing or to reach certain areas.
It’s important to understand that the study identified an association, not proof that praise alone caused children to brush longer. The research also measured brushing duration rather than how thoroughly children cleaned their teeth. Still, the findings offer parents a practical strategy worth trying: encourage your child instead of turning every brushing session into a series of commands.
What Kind of Praise Works Best?
The study examined different kinds of praise, but it wasn’t designed to determine which specific type was most effective. Researchers grouped praise into categories that included general encouragement, such as “good job,” and person-focused praise, such as “good girl.”
You don’t need to find the perfect phrase to make a difference. Start by offering genuine, positive feedback when your child makes an effort.
Here are a few examples:
- “I love how you’re taking care of your teeth!”
- “Great job sticking with it!”
- “You kept brushing even when you wanted to be done. Nice work!”
- “Look at you building a healthy habit!”
You can also recognize specific actions, such as remembering to brush before bed or reaching for their toothbrush without being reminded. The goal is to make brushing feel like a positive accomplishment rather than a chore they have to get through.
How to Make Toothbrushing More Positive
Praise is just one way to make oral hygiene more enjoyable. Try pairing encouragement with a few simple strategies to establish a routine your child can follow.
First, keep brushing times predictable. Brushing after breakfast and before bed helps make the habit part of your child’s daily routine. You can also let your child choose a toothbrush featuring a favorite character or play a two-minute song while they brush.
Next, lead by example. Let your child see you brushing your own teeth, and consider brushing together when possible. Children often enjoy copying the adults they admire.
Finally, keep expectations age-appropriate. Young children are still developing the coordination needed to clean every tooth effectively. Let them practice brushing independently, but help them finish the job until they can brush thoroughly on their own. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages three to six, and supervise brushing to encourage safe habits.
Keep Encouragement at the Center of Your Routine
Some evenings will go smoothly, while others may involve a little negotiation. That’s normal! Rather than expecting perfection, celebrate your child’s effort and keep reinforcing the importance of brushing twice daily. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement can help make oral care feel like a natural part of growing up.
About the Practice
Joliet Pediatric Dentistry is home to pediatric dentists Dr. Brittaney Hill and Dr. Taylor Jackson, who are passionate about providing children with excellent dental care. Their team works to help young patients feel comfortable in the treatment chair while supporting healthy smiles through every stage of childhood. With a caring approach and specialized pediatric expertise, they help families build a positive foundation for lifelong oral health.
Call us at (815) 729-2277 or schedule your appointment online