How to Get Your Teen to Brush More Often

If you thought it was tough getting your kindergartner to brush their teeth, your teenager might be 10 times worse. About one third of children aged 12-17 don’t brush their teeth the recommended two times per day, and two percent don’t brush at all.

How do you get your teen to brush more? Making the argument requires meeting them where they are. Here are some strategies to help you teen take notice and improve their dental hygiene.

Lay Out the Unpleasant Consequences

Most teens tend to think in the here and now, not down the road when bad health habits have an impact. Help them understand what tooth decay is in detail, how painful it is, and its negative effects on their appearance. Also, point to the bad breath and the invasive dental procedures they may need to remedy tooth decay due to neglect.

Make a Pact with the Dentist

Teens tend not to listen a whole lot to their parents. It’s a natural part of forming their independence. Therefore, it might help to have your hometown family dental provider talk to them. Let them point out what a beautiful smile can mean to their appearance, as well as the consequence of bad dental hygiene. An experienced dentist may be the authority figure your teen needs to get the message.

Find Ways to Make Brushing Interesting

If your teen is too cool to brush, it’s time to make brushing more fashionable. If they have a smartphone, encourage them to install fun brushing apps. For example, Brush DJ lets users set a brushing timer that plays music. You can also buy a smart toothbrush that connects to an app that tracks brushing progress and rewards healthy habits. If your teen is glued to social media, try to find influencers who promote the latest dental products and good oral hygiene.

Appeal to Their Sense of Romance

If your teen is dating, point out that oral hygiene makes for better kissing and more pleasant close encounters (like dancing!). Perhaps you remember from your youth potential dating partners who seemed less appealing because they lacked proper oral hygiene or had bad breath!

Healthy Dental Hygiene for the Whole Family

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we consider your family to be part of ours. If you need help encouraging good dental habits among your children, you can turn to us for regular checkups and cleanings close to home. We also provide emergency and restorative services if you’re in pain or need tooth repair. To set up your next dental visit, contact us today at 513.489.7800.