As a parent, you probably know that getting your child to brush their teeth each day isn’t always an easy task. However, the solution may be simpler than you think! A new study published in Child Development suggests that the way parents respond after their child brushes can be just as important as the brushing itself. Specifically, children who received praise for brushing were more likely to brush consistently and spend more time on each session. Here’s why.
The Research-Backed Link Between Praise & Brushing
The study in Child Development examined how parental praise influenced toothbrushing behavior in young children and found a clear pattern showing that positive reinforcement really works. Children who were praised after brushing showed improved brushing frequency and duration compared to those who weren’t.
But researchers went a step further and also looked at how parents praised their children, and it turns out that not all praise has the same effect on a child’s motivation and long-term habits. “Process praise,” which focuses on specific actions or efforts rather than just complimenting the child, tends to work best. When children hear that their efforts and actions are being celebrated, they can internalize it and determine that brushing is something they’re very capable of doing.
Simple Ways to Praise Your Child for Brushing
Luckily, a small bit of awareness is all it takes to correctly praise your child for brushing their teeth. Here are some easy strategies you can use on a daily basis:
- Instead of using phrases like “You’re doing a good job,” try “You were so thorough and even brushed your back teeth!” Calling out the specific behavior with genuine enthusiasm reinforces exactly what they need to be doing.
- If your child brushes for a full two minutes, make a big deal of it and let them know! This teaches children that persistence pays off. You can also set a timer or play their favorite song as they brush to ensure they meet the time requirement.
- Habits are built through repetition. The more consistently you respond with praise, the more quickly brushing will become a natural part of your child’s routine, with no reminders needed.
- Consider rewarding your child for their efforts if they’re able to consistently brush each day, whether it’s in the form of an exciting outing or one of their favorite treats.
Remember, brushing routines that are established early on and reinforced with positivity are more likely to carry forward as your child grows older and becomes more independent. A small change in the words you use at toothbrushing time can have a surprisingly big impact on your child’s long-term oral health!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy, Dr. Codi Saunders, and Dr. Sam Alkhoury, our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is proud to serve families throughout Fitchburg and the nearby communities. We offer a wide range of services, including dentistry for toddlers and children of all ages. Do you have questions, or are you ready to book your child’s next visit? Contact us or call (978) 627-7214 to schedule an appointment.