{"id":446,"date":"2026-03-04T15:58:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T15:58:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.delreydds.com\/blog\/?p=446"},"modified":"2026-03-16T16:07:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T16:07:53","slug":"how-praise-can-improve-your-childs-brushing-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.delreydds.com\/blog\/how-praise-can-improve-your-childs-brushing-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"How Praise Can Actually Improve Your Child\u2019s Brushing Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"a<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Do you struggle to get your child to brush their teeth regularly, or even at all? You aren\u2019t alone\u2014it\u2019s a challenge that many parents face! However, did you know that sometimes all it takes is a little encouragement and positive reinforcement to help your child maintain the habit? In fact, research confirms that parental praise makes a big difference. Here\u2019s what you need to know, and some must-try strategies you can use.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Consistent Brushing Matters for Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral hygiene can feel like a small thing in the context of everything parents are responsible for, but the habits children form early in life often follow them for decades. This is why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children brush for two full minutes, twice a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surprisingly, tooth decay is among the most common chronic conditions affecting children, and its effects aren’t limited to just baby teeth. Untreated decay can also impact the development of permanent teeth, affect a child’s ability to eat and speak comfortably, and lead to more complex dental treatment down the road. Helping your child to avoid these issues is always going to benefit them, and praise is a powerful tool in this regard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Praise Keeps Children Brushing the Right Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A recent study explored the relationship between parental praise and toothbrushing habits in children, and the results were clear: children who were praised by their parents brushed more frequently and for longer periods of time than those who weren’t! With that in mind, some strategies you can employ to help your child consistently brush include:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n