Why Doesn’t My Child Want To Brush And Floss?

Your child used to have no problem brushing and flossing. You would announce that it’s time, everyone would head into the bathroom, and the dental hygiene would commence! However, something has changed. Your kiddo who was developing wonderful habits and a surprisingly nice level of dedication to brushing is suddenly shying away from it (or trying to get out of it completely) and you’re beginning to think something must be up. You’re probably correct! Allow our Ankeny, IA team to help you solve this mystery, as we guide you through some possibilities (and remind you that coming in for a visit is always helpful, too).

Your Child May Be Too Tired

We know that you may be used to powering through your brushing and flossing sessions, even when you’re tired. However, this is a lot to ask of a little kiddo! Remember that if you’re having your children practice dental hygiene after falling asleep before bed on the sofa or when it’s gotten quite late, it may be time to back the schedule up a bit. Practice smile care earlier, when kids still have energy, and there may be no more irritability!

The Flavors May Be Awful

Think about how horrible it is to use a product that you find to be disgusting! Now, ask yourself if you know whether your children feel happy about their dental hygiene products and the flavors or not. If kids are using something that’s too strong (like a powerful mint) or flavor that they dislike, it can cause them to feel resistant to brushing and flossing. Check in on the details and switch up flavors, if necessary, for an easier time with dental hygiene!

Something Might Hurt

It’s entirely possible that your child isn’t feeling very good about brushing and flossing these days because it feels bad. While your child may not have a toothache or anything specific to report, it’s always a good idea to check in on how your child is feeling. Take a quick look at your little one’s smile, too. If you see any redness, swelling, etc., this is a sign that something may be amiss. Remember that when in doubt, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental checkup with our team! We can check in to see if there are any issues, whether any additional dental care is required, can ensure all is well, and can answer any of your questions or your child’s!

Make Smile Care Fun For Your Child

Remember that encouraging your child to develop optimal dental hygiene habits can become challenging when something is wrong. Come in for a visit with our team, so we may help determine and address the issue! Visit us for a dental checkup in Ankeny, IA by contacting Dental Impressions to schedule a visit at (515) 965-0230.