if we focus too much on making it “fun,” we might be missing the point about actually cleaning their teeth properly.
Totally get what you mean. I’ve noticed with my niece, she’ll pick the sparkliest brush but still barely does a real cleaning. I’m in braces now and honestly, technique matters way more than the novelty factor. Do you think the apps and timers actually help, or just add another distraction? I kinda miss the days when parents just watched and corrected us.
I kinda miss the days when parents just watched and corrected us.
Right? It was a lot more straightforward back then. My kids always wanted those brushes with cartoon characters, but honestly, half the time they’d just chew on them or wave them around. Even now, as someone who’s had dentures and all sorts of dental work, I can tell you—fancy gadgets don’t mean much if you’re not actually getting in there and brushing properly.
I’ve seen those apps and timers. Maybe they help some families, but I feel like they just add another thing for kids to fuss over. I tried one with my granddaughter, and she was more interested in getting a high score than cleaning her teeth. Maybe I’m old school, but nothing beats just being there and showing them how it’s done. Technique is everything, especially if you want to avoid all the dental drama I’ve had over the years. Sometimes the “fun” part gets in the way of actually learning the right way to brush… but maybe that’s just me being a bit skeptical.
Sometimes the “fun” part gets in the way of actually learning the right way to brush…
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, if a cheap timer or a silly brush keeps my kids from fighting me every night, I’m all for it. Technique matters, sure—but getting them to actually start brushing without a meltdown is half the battle. I’d rather have them engaged, even if it means a little extra fuss now and then.
I totally get wanting to make brushing fun, but I do wonder if sometimes the “fun” stuff distracts my kids more than it helps. Like, my youngest just wants to play with the musical toothbrush and ends up brushing her nose half the time. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I kinda wish there was a middle ground—something engaging that doesn’t turn toothbrushing into a circus act every night. Anyone else’s kids just want to eat the toothpaste instead of actually brushing? It’s like a nightly comedy routine over here...
You’re definitely not alone—my grandkids used to get so wound up with those flashy toothbrushes, half the time they’d forget why they were in the bathroom in the first place. I do think some of the “fun” stuff can backfire, especially when it turns into more play than brushing. What worked for us was doing a silly song together, but still keeping the toothbrush pretty basic. And yes, that toothpaste-eating phase... seems like every kid goes through it, no matter how many times you explain it’s for cleaning, not snacking. I guess finding that balance just takes some trial and error.
