By: Dr. Linda Carson
The new PSAs are humorous depictions of life lessons which make the point that while parenting can be tricky at times, getting kids to brush for two minutes, twice a day can be easier than most other things parents will try to teach their children. Watch one here http://adcouncil.org/Our-Campaigns/Health/Children-s-Oral-Health. Busy parents will relate the funny scenarios in the PSA’s.
One more great resource for you is Kids’ Healthy Mouths. Among other oral health themes, this website has very helpful resources for the 2min2x campaign. There are 2 minute videos, posters, incentive ideas for charting brushing behaviors and routines, and videos for informing parents about the importance of helping young children brush for two minutes, twice a day.
You can also watch Choosy’s two minute video below to see additional messages and reminders, or use the song sample from our store. Many children have been very willing to brush teeth until the two minute song stops playing.
Tell us about the strategies you use in your home for brushing teeth with your young children.
About the Author: Linda Carson, Ed. D, is the founder and CEO of Choosy Kids, LLC, and the Ware Distinguished Professor Emerita at West Virginia University. An award winning, nationally recognized expert, Dr. Carson has devoted her career to promoting healthy preferences for young children and the adults who make decisions on their behalf. Click here to learn more about Linda.
My kids are more likely to brush their teeth if I let them pick out their own character spin brush (this makes them feel special) and toothpaste. I would brush first and then I would let them brush afterwards...for as long as their hearts desire (within reason). :) Some days it's a challenge, but hopefully those healthy teeth will be worth it in the end!
ReplyDeleteThat is a GREAT idea, letting them pick out their own toothbrush. Makes them feel really special :)
DeleteI agree with Bree, letting my kids purchase dental items as a treat works well.
ReplyDeleteOoooo! So for good brushing habits they can pick out a new toothbrush or try a new toothpaste!! Fab idea!
DeleteThis is very cute! My son is just 17 months, so I'm trying to make toothbrushes seem fun to him. Fortunately, he does like it at the moment. Hopefully that'll continue!
ReplyDeleteJust keep up with your routine and it is sure to stick :)
DeleteYes! Those cute spin brushes are a great incentive. I use lots of praise with my littlest. These are great resources.
ReplyDeleteWhatever works to get them to brush their teeth is fine by us!
DeleteWe've brushed our daughter's teeth since she was little. So important.
ReplyDeleteYup! Even when they sprout their first teeth, cleaning them with a wet wash cloth is very important.
DeleteMy little guy loves brushing his teeth, which I think is absolutely wonderful! Your post reminded me to call the dentist and schedule him for his checkup! Holidays are such a crazy time!
ReplyDeleteHehe! I am glad it reminded you to do that. Checkups are super important.
Deleteugh. my kids are a month overdue for checkups. we missed our appointment, then the holidays came. thanks so much for the reminder and the "kick in the butt"!
ReplyDeleteHaha! You're welcome! Whatever works, right? :)
DeleteMy children have learned the lesson of good oral hygiene when there was a threat of a cavity. They don't want to deal with fillings any more. Two minutes two times a day is what I learned as a child and what I passed down. We also got an electric toothbrush and now the kiddies want to brush their teeth more.
ReplyDeleteCavities are the worst!! But at least yor kids know what happens when they don't care for their teeth!
DeleteI feel blessed my kids are really good at brushing. Flossing, now, is a struggle..... Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed! Brushing is a chore for many kids. I think you can take flossing in strides. Keep up the good work :)
Delete2 x2 is a great way to remind kids to get brushing! My kids are pretty good about it. Sometimes I have to double check that they are brushing for a full 2 minutes!
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, as a mom of a toddler I still have to remind myself of 2 x 2! The 2 minutes seems to take forever when time is so limited. Imagine what 2 minutes are like in a kid's world.
DeleteIt's nice to see the ADHA sending out the message! I don't have any kids but I remember when I was growing up, I was always afraid of cavities. That alone kept me brushing!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you were a good brusher! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteBrushing is the most important point of the Essential Dental Guidelines that every children needs to follow.
ReplyDeleteEtobicoke Dentist
Yes it is. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteIts an honour to follow the dental guidelines made by American Dental Hygienists’ Association.
ReplyDeleteDentist in Hyattsville MD
Glad that you found us. Please check out choosykids.com and contact us if there are any products you're interested in for your office!
DeleteFollowing the most essential dental guidelines ie brushing and flossing is absolutely necessary to be done at-least twice a day.
ReplyDeleteSaskatoon Dentist
Glad you found us. Check out choosykids.com and contact us if there's anything you are interested in for your office.
DeleteThis looks like a great campaign! I've got some nephews, and I'm trying to help their parents instill good dental habits in them, and this seems like a great way of grabbing young kids' attention. We want to make sure that they floss and brush and visit a pediatric dentist regularly. Making good oral hygiene habits now can help them avoid a world of trouble later on (I should know--I recently had a root canal). Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane! Please visit choosykids.com for some great goodies for your nephews that can help with brushing.
DeleteThanks for the tips about child oral hygiene. Both of my sisters have had twins in their growing families. Bedtime can sometimes be a challenge making sure that everyone has brushed their teeth properly. Thanks again for your article. http://www.morrisondentalgroup.com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Please visit choosykids.com and contact us if there is something that interests you for your office.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis was really helpful, as I know a lot of these ideas will help my kids! I know that brushing teeth is always a chore for my two girls. but I've found that when you buy the toothbrush that sings for two minutes, it really helps them brush for two minutes without ever realizing it! I'll definitely still try the song samples listed, so thanks so much for this help!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.frisingerdental.com/
Parents and parenting are the most important factor for good and healthy habits for kids. Most of the good and bad habits in children are built at early age. So, it is the duty of every parent to teach our little one good and healthy habits for kids. I really agree with your points and I experience this in my life, as I am the mother of 2 children's.
ReplyDelete