How to Make Brushing Fun for Kids: Tips from The Medford Center For Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

Caring for young teeth is crucial, but convincing kids to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like a chore. As a trusted pediatric dentist in Medford, we’re excited to share some fun and effective ways to make brushing teeth enjoyable for your little ones. Making dental hygiene for kids fun encourages good habits and helps children view toothbrushing positively.

Turn It Into a Game

Kids love games, and turning tooth brushing into a fun activity can make them look forward to it. Try these playful ideas:

• Brushing Battles

Compete with your child to see who can make the most bubbles with toothpaste.

• Toothbrush Timers

Use a timer or play a favorite song for two minutes to teach them the correct brushing duration.

• Colorful Charts

Create a reward chart where kids can add stickers for every successful brushing session.

Bring Stories and Characters Into the Routine

Children connect well with stories and characters. Here’s how you can use this to your advantage:

• Themed Toothbrushes & Toothpaste

Let your child pick a toothbrush and toothpaste featuring their favorite cartoon character.

• Story Time Toothbrushing

Tell a short story or create an adventure where the characters emphasize the importance of clean teeth.

• Heroic Missions

Turn each brushing session into a heroic mission to fight the “cavity monsters.”

Make Use of Apps and Videos

Several child-friendly apps and videos are designed to make brushing teeth more engaging. Consider incorporating these into your routine:

• Brushing Apps

Plenty of apps use animations and rewards to keep children brushing longer.

• Educational Videos

Videos that show fun animations and explain why brushing is important can make the activity more appealing.

Involve the Whole Family

Kids mimic what they see, especially from their parents. Brushing your teeth together as a family can reinforce good habits:

• Family Brush Time

Set a time when everyone in the family brushes their teeth together.

• Sibling Challenges

If they have siblings, encourage a friendly competition on who can brush the best.

Choose Fun Flavors

The minty taste of standard toothpaste might not be appealing to kids. Luckily, there are alternatives. Tubes of toothpaste come in flavors like strawberry, bubblegum, and even chocolate. Allow your child to choose their flavor to make them feel more involved and excited about brushing.

Remember, Consistency is Key

Both kids and adults should brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, every day. 

Brushing in the morning helps remove the bacteria and plaque that have accumulated overnight, freshens breath, and prevents tartar buildup. Brushing before bed removes the day’s buildup of food particles and plaque. This is important because, during sleep, saliva production decreases, which lessens its ability to fight cavity-causing bacteria. Nighttime brushing helps protect the teeth from cavities and gum disease.

Encouraging kids to brush twice daily can be challenging, but with these fun strategies, you can help instill a lifelong dental hygiene habit. And remember, if you’re looking for personalized advice or need a pediatric dentist in Medford, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help your child smile brighter!

About The Author

Dr. Eric Gheewalla

Dr. Eric Gheewalla specializes in orthodontics and is a certified Invisalign provider. He was an assistant clinical professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, Tufts Association of Orthodontists, International College of Dentists, and the American Academy of Dental Science.

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