How Dentists Motivate Little Patients with Personalized Kids Toothbrushes?

If you’re a parent to a toddler or young child, there will be days when getting them to brush or floss might seem like a tall order. You may feel tempted to give it up entirely, especially if they’re constantly throwing temper tantrums and refusing to spend even two minutes of their valuable playtime on it. And while taking a moment to restart and devise a new brushing strategy (or just take a deep breath and relax, really) is totally fine and even desirable, you should somehow inspire them to continue building their dental care habits, no matter what. Below, we discuss the use of personalized kids toothbrushes and the way dentists use them to motivate little patients during regular checkups so that you can learn from them, too. 

What Are Personalized Toothbrushes For Children?

As the name suggests, personalized toothbrushes are custom-made dental care items that are designed in a way to encourage a child to brush his or her teeth. The general recommendation from The American Dental Association says that even small children should brush at least twice a day for two minutes at least, but many parents would argue this is easier said than done. In reality, resistance is often present, especially among young children and toddlers. This happens due to numerous reasons, the most notable being the fact that they are too busy indulging in the play and exploring the world around them.     Introducing personalized toothbrushes into their routine could help you to change all that. These items usually come in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials.

How Do Dentists Use These Toothbrushes In Their Everyday Work?

A pediatric dentist is probably one of the most underrated professions out there. These men and women know that home oral care is essential for future dental health, and if done right, it can minimize the need for future dental appointments (except for regular dental exams, of course!) That’s why they’re continually devising new ways to approach little patients, using state-of-the-art educational tools and other resources, and relying on many advances in psychology. 

The use of customized toothbrushes represents the best example of positive reinforcement in pediatric dentistry. A dentist will usually give this toothbrush to a child as a part of their take-home packs, to encourage them with their brushing habits. Kids love prizes in general, and once they receive one, it will serve them as a reminder to maintain good oral hygiene between regular dental visits. This is also an amazing way to spark loyalty in the youngest patients and build long-term connections with them, which will ensure they come back to their office until they enter adulthood.

Where You Can Find Personalized Kids Toothbrushes?

In your local pharmacy, you can find these toothbrushes in a package with different stickers. Your child can choose the one they like and then attach it to their toothbrush. You should make sure that the sticker is attached well to avoid choking hazards nevertheless.

You can also find plenty of personalized kids toothbrushes selling on Amazon and other online stores. Their bodies and bristles are made of different materials, you can have your child’s name engraved on them, and they are suitable for kids aged 2-6. They come in a range of colors to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences and they can even feature a funny or motivational message that will resonate with your little one.

But you can also have your child customize their toothbrush. For that, you will need an ordinary toothbrush, paint that is non-toxic and safe for children, and a brush. You should encourage your kiddo to paint different shapes on their toothbrush, or even write their name on it if they know how to write. Or you can decorate it and make it a surprise gift for them. Keep in mind that letting them participate in the process could make them more interested in using the toothbrush later on.

In Conclusion

When it comes to motivating kids to stick to their dental hygiene day in day out, both dentists and caregivers face many challenges. To overcome them, they must use different tools and approaches, and personalized toothbrush giveaway in dental offices is just one way they motivate your tot to keep brushing. This is a typical example of a good reward system and positive reinforcement that are bound to produce long-term results and a greater chance for better dental health in a child’s future life. On the other hand, this sort of approach also incites patient loyalty and trust, making sure they take care of their dental health and minimizing the risks of unwanted and invasive treatments in the future.

Have you ever tried using personalized toothbrushes for your kid? How did they accept? Share your experience in the comments!