{"id":198,"date":"2026-03-19T08:37:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T08:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ahorthopeds.com\/blog\/?p=198"},"modified":"2026-03-19T08:37:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T08:37:02","slug":"why-you-should-praise-your-children-for-brushing-their-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ahorthopeds.com\/blog\/why-you-should-praise-your-children-for-brushing-their-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Praise Your Children for Brushing Their Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Getting kids to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like a battle. Between morning routines and bedtime struggles, parents often wonder how to make oral hygiene<\/a> stick. A recent study published in Child Development<\/em> offers promising insights: children are more likely to brush consistently and spend more time doing it when parents praise them for their efforts\u2014especially when praise focuses on their actions rather than personal traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the type of praise that motivates can help children develop lifelong oral health habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Study on Praise and Brushing Habits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Researchers observed that children who received specific, action-focused praise\u2014such as \u201cYou brushed all the way to the back teeth, great job!\u201d\u2014were more persistent and thorough in brushing. In contrast, generic praise like \u201cYou\u2019re so good at brushing\u201d was less effective, and in some cases, even counterproductive. Action-oriented praise helps children understand exactly what behavior is valued, reinforcing the routine and giving them a sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This research aligns with broader findings in child development that show children respond best when they see a clear connection between effort and outcome. Parents can harness this by noticing and verbally acknowledging specific aspects of their child\u2019s brushing, like reaching the molars, brushing for two full minutes, or covering both top and bottom teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical Tips for Encouraging Good Brushing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Implementing these findings is simpler than you might think. Start by observing your child\u2019s brushing habits closely and praising the effort rather than just the result. For example, instead of saying \u201cGood job brushing,\u201d try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n