- Totally agree with this:
.consistency trumps gadgets most of the time
- I’ve definitely seen “brushing fatigue” set in after a few weeks. At first, my kid was all about the stickers, but then it felt like the novelty wore off.
- What helped us:
- Switching up toothpaste flavors now and then
- Letting her pick a new toothbrush every couple months
- Sometimes brushing together to make it less of a chore
- Still, there are days when she just flat-out resists. I try not to push too hard—sometimes skipping one session is better than turning it into a battle.
- Curious if anyone’s tried apps or songs? We got mixed results—fun at first, but didn’t last long.
consistency trumps gadgets most of the time
I’ve noticed the same thing with apps—they’re cool for a week, then they just become another screen. What’s worked for us is brushing during storytime. It’s not perfect, but pairing it with something she already enjoys seems to help more than any tech.
What’s worked for us is brushing during storytime. It’s not perfect, but pairing it with something she already enjoys seems to help more than any tech.
Pairing brushing with storytime is honestly underrated. I’ve seen so many parents get burned out trying every new app or “smart” toothbrush, and then they’re back in my chair asking why the cavities keep coming. Consistency really does win out.
But here’s a question—how do you handle it on those nights when everyone’s tired or cranky and storytime gets skipped? I’ve had families tell me that’s when things fall apart. Sometimes, just having a set routine (even if it’s not fancy) makes a bigger difference than any gadget.
I will say, though, I’ve seen some kids get surprisingly motivated by sticker charts—old school, but somehow they still work. Anyone else notice that? Or maybe I’m just showing my age...
Sometimes, just having a set routine (even if it’s not fancy) makes a bigger difference than any gadget.
I get what you mean about routines, but I’ve actually seen tech help some families stick with brushing, especially when things get hectic. My niece is obsessed with her “singing” toothbrush—it’s silly, but she’ll brush the whole two minutes just to hear the song finish. On tired nights, that’s sometimes the only thing that keeps her on track. I guess it depends on the kid, but for some, the gadgets aren’t all bad. Sticker charts still work in our house too, though.
I totally relate to the tech helping sometimes. My nephew wouldn’t brush at all until he got a toothbrush that lit up and played music. For me, as an adult, it’s more about routine, but I can see how those little gadgets are game-changers for kids. I still use a timer on my phone sometimes if I’m half asleep in the morning... whatever works, right?