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

I get why folks say “as long as most teeth get some attention, it’s a win,” but I’m not so sure it’s enough. My dentist used to tell me that missing the same spots over and over is how you end up with trouble down the line. I’m not saying every brush has to be perfect - heaven knows I’ve had my share of rushed mornings - but those hard-to-reach places really do matter, especially for kids with tight teeth.

When my grandkids visit, I try to make a bit of a game out of it - like “let’s see if we can find the sneaky molar in the back.” They grumble, but it helps. Maybe it’s just me, but I wish someone had pushed me a bit more about those “forgotten” teeth when I was younger. Now I’ve got a mouth full of crowns to show for it... Guess what I’m saying is, habits are great, but technique counts too.

Totally hear you on the technique vs. just getting it done. My kiddo would happily skip half his mouth if I didn’t hover nearby. I keep wondering - do most parents actually watch their kids brush, or just trust them to do it right? I’ve tried letting mine use a little mirror so he can see those back teeth, but honestly, it’s hit or miss. Does anyone else feel like they’re fighting a losing battle with those sneaky molars?

Yeah, those molars are a pain - literally and figuratively. I have to supervise every time or my son just rushes through and misses the back teeth entirely. Tried the mirror trick too, but he mostly ends up making faces instead of focusing on brushing technique. I’ve noticed using an electric brush helps a bit since it does more of the work, but honestly, I still have to check. Not sure if any kid is thorough without some adult intervention...

I get what you mean about needing to supervise, but I’ve actually seen some kids get pretty independent with brushing - just not overnight. My daughter got super into this toothbrushing app that times her and gives little rewards, and honestly, it made a difference. She still misses spots sometimes, but she’s more motivated to do it herself now. Maybe it’s just about finding what clicks for each kid? Electric brushes help for sure, but I wouldn’t say adult intervention is always a must forever.

Maybe it’s just about finding what clicks for each kid? Electric brushes help for sure, but I wouldn’t say adult intervention is always a must forever.

Totally agree, it’s not one-size-fits-all. My youngest became obsessed with this silly singing toothbrush - literally a brush that blasts pop songs for two minutes. Now he’s in there dancing and brushing like he’s on stage. Still needs a quick “parent inspection” now and then, though, because he thinks brushing his tongue counts as a job well done.

I used to think I’d be supervising forever, but honestly, once they find their groove, you can back off a bit. Electric brushes are basically magic for lazy brushers...plus, way less nagging from me.

Still waiting for the day they invent a toothbrush that also picks up dirty socks off the bathroom floor. Now THAT would be revolutionary.