Classical Conditioning and Teeth Brushing

To begin, in classical conditioning, there are typically three elements involved: the unconditioned stimulus (UCS), the unconditioned response (UCR), and the conditioned stimulus (CS). The UCS naturally triggers a reflexive response, which is the UCR. Through repeated pairings of the UCS with a neutral stimulus, the neutral stimulus becomes the CS, and it eventually elicits a conditioned response (CR) similar to the UCR.

Classical conditioning is a type of learning in which an individual develops associations between two stimuli, leading to a change in behavior or response. It was first described by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist, through his famous experiments with dogs. Classical conditioning can be used by parents in order to establish positive behavior among their children as well. An example of this can be given when trying to introduce your child to brushing their teeth.

Suppose a parent wants to teach their child to associate brushing their teeth with a pleasant experience to encourage good oral hygiene. Initially, brushing teeth is the neutral stimulus (CS) that does not elicit any particular response from the child. The parent would provide a pleasant-tasting toothpaste (UCS) to the child. The taste of the toothpaste naturally elicits a positive response, such as enjoyment (UCR). The parent consistently pairs the toothpaste (UCS) with brushing the child's teeth (CS) by using the same toothpaste every time they brush together. With repeated pairings, the child begins to associate the taste of the toothpaste (CS) with the act of brushing their teeth. The toothpaste becomes a conditioned stimulus. Eventually, the child starts experiencing a positive response (CR), similar to the initial enjoyment response (UCR), when the parent mentions or starts the brushing routine. Over time, through this process of classical conditioning, the parent has successfully associated brushing teeth (CS) with a pleasant experience, making it more likely for the child to engage in good oral hygiene willingly.