How do you get your kids to actually brush their teeth?

My grandkids are the same way with toothbrushes - one of them insisted on a brush shaped like a dinosaur, and now apparently it’s the only thing that “works.” I used to think all this was silly, but honestly, if it keeps ‘em brushing, I’m not complaining. Dance parties sound more fun than anything my dentist ever suggested back in the day... maybe I need to try that myself.

I used to think all those themed toothbrushes were just marketing, but honestly, I get it now. When I first got braces, I was super strict about technique and timing, but it was such a chore. I probably would’ve brushed more as a kid if I’d had a dinosaur brush or music involved. The only thing my parents did was set a timer, which just made it feel like a countdown to freedom.

Now, I use an electric brush with a built-in timer - nothing fancy, but it works for me. For kids though, whatever keeps them brushing is worth it, even if it seems silly. I do wonder if all these “fun” brushes actually help with technique, or if it’s just about getting the job done. Either way, better than skipping it, right? I’d take a dance party over those old dental lectures any day.

For kids though, whatever keeps them brushing is worth it, even if it seems silly.

Honestly, I’m with you there. I used to scoff at those flashy toothbrushes, but now I see the value if it means less nagging and more actual brushing. My youngest only got into the habit because of a brush that played her favorite song - she’d dance around and forget she was even brushing. But I do wonder, does all the fun stuff distract from actually cleaning their teeth well? Or maybe it helps them stick with it long enough to do a decent job? Curious if anyone’s noticed better checkups after switching to the “fun” approach...

We went through a similar phase in my house. I was skeptical of anything with lights or sounds, but my son got into brushing once we let him pick a superhero brush with a built-in timer. I do wonder if he’s actually brushing well or just zoning out to the music, though. At our last checkup, the dentist said his teeth looked better than before, so maybe the novelty helps keep them at it longer. Anyone else notice their kids get more thorough with the “fun” gadgets, or is it just luck?

We tried a light-up brush with my daughter after she flat-out refused to brush for weeks. I was nervous she’d just play with it, but the timer actually helped her stick with it longer. Still, I’m always hovering, double-checking if she’s actually hitting all her teeth and not just watching the lights. Once in a while, I’ll brush my teeth next to her so she can copy what I’m doing - seems to help a bit. I honestly think the gadgets help, but I still worry and try to supervise when I can.