Encouraging good oral hygiene habits in children can sometimes feel like a herculean task. However, a recent study published in Child Development sheds light on an effective strategy – praising children for their efforts in toothbrushing!

If you want to learn when and how to effectively praise your child for their dental health, continue reading. You’ll see the findings of this study and how you can use praise to instill lifelong oral health habits in your child.

Understanding the Study

The study, conducted by researchers in the field of child development, focused on the effect of parental praise on children’s toothbrushing behavior. The results were intriguing, to say the least. The study found that children who received specific types of praise were far more likely to brush their teeth. In addition, they found that children who brushed their teeth regularly spent more time in each session.

What Types of Praise Work?

The study highlighted that the type of praise matters. Rather than generic praise like “good job,” parents who provided specific feedback with their praise saw better results. For example, saying, “I can see you spent a lot of time brushing each tooth” was more effective praise.

How Can I Give the Best Praise to My Child?

There are several strategies you can use to be more effective at praising your child and improving their oral hygiene behavior:

• Be Specific: Instead of general compliments, focus on specific things about their toothbrushing efforts. Acknowledge the time spent, thoroughness, or improvements you notice.
• Consistency is Key: Regularly acknowledge and praise your child’s toothbrushing efforts. Consistency reinforces positive behavior and makes it more likely to become a habit.
• Create a Positive Environment: Make toothbrushing a positive and enjoyable activity. Use positive language and consider incorporating fun elements. Themed toothbrushes and favorite songs can make the experience more like a fun activity than a chore.
• Lead by Example: Children often emulate the behavior of their parents. Demonstrate good oral hygiene practices yourself, and they are more likely to follow suit.
• Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate milestones and improvements in their oral health routine. This could include completing a full week of consistent brushing or successfully incorporating flossing into their routine.

Praising your child for their toothbrushing efforts serves several purposes. It reinforces positive behavior, boosts their self-esteem, and establishes a connection between oral health habits and feelings of accomplishment. Over time, this positive association can help them form lifelong oral health routines. So, don’t forget to celebrate their toothbrushing victories – big and small!

About the Practice

Dr. John Bonds is a friendly and warm dentist with a passion for helping his patients of all ages improve their smiles. Dr. Bonds completed a Ph.D./DDS dual degree program at Texas A&M University. Since then, he has continued his education to better serve his patients through multiple professional organizations. To schedule an appointment at River Bend Dental, call (972) 635-8004 or visit the website to learn more.