At Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics, we know brushing isn’t everyone’s favorite activity. But healthy habits don’t have to feel like a chore! With a few simple tricks, you can turn brushing time into something your kiddo actually enjoys, and that will help keep their smile healthy for life.
Here are some easy ideas to try at home:
Turn it into a game
What kid doesn’t love playtime? Try and set a timer or play their favorite song while they brush. Brushy Brush! by Elmo is a popular choice for kids, and there are plenty of playlists on YouTube and Spotify to keep things fresh and interesting.
Brush together
Kids often copy what they see. Make brushing a family activity! This is an easy way to model good habits and make brushing feel more fun for them.
Be creative
Kids are imaginative and love a good story. One Reddit parent shared this tip, “My husband plays a game with our toddler and tells him to open his mouth like an alligator, [then] counts to three while he does a bit of brushing, then tells him to ‘chomp’ the brush… I tell him I’m going to get all the little plaque fish swimming around in his mouth and make a zapping sound each time I ‘get’ one.”
Use rewards
A brushing chart can help motivate kids and build consistency. Celebrate streaks with small rewards such as extra story time, choosing the bedtime book, or picking a family game. Rewards don’t have to be big. Even small ones help reinforce healthy brushing habits.
Kid-friendly brushing app
There are dozens of highly-rated brushing apps designed for kids. Some play fun two-minute songs, while others gamify brushing and turn it into a small adventure. These tools can help add structure and make their routine more engaging.
When brushing feels more enjoyable, kids are more likely to stick with it. That means healthier habits, fewer battles at bedtime, and brighter smiles for years to come.
Need some extra help in building the right brushing habits? At Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics, we take the time to teach you how to brush and floss your teeth the right way. Our pediatric dental team is happy to teach children of all ages how to brush and floss correctly and help them understand that proper brushing prevents cavities and long-term dental issues.
You can book an appointment instantly online or call us to schedule.
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. David Trent, Chief Medical Officer and Oral Surgeon at Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics.
