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

I’m with you - finding the right “hook” for each kid makes a difference, but honestly, those fancy electric brushes can get pricey. We tried the singing ones, but I ended up grabbing a basic timer and some cheap stickers instead. Not as flashy, but it worked for my budget and still got them brushing longer. I do think a quick check is always needed, though...my youngest once brushed just his front teeth for a whole week because he thought that was “enough.” Kids, right?

Timers and stickers are underrated, honestly. I’ve tried the flashy brushes too, but it’s wild how a cheap sand timer from the dollar store can suddenly make brushing “official business” in a kid’s mind. That said, I still have to do the “open wide” inspection most nights. My middle kid once tried to convince me that “molars don’t get dirty.” Apparently, front teeth are just more fun to clean? Kids have some logic...

Timers really do the trick, don’t they? My grandkids love turning over the hourglass, and suddenly it’s a race to brush until the last grain drops. I used to think all those reward charts were a bit much, but honestly, a gold star can work wonders. Have you tried making up silly songs for brushing? Sometimes that’s the only way I could get them to focus on those back teeth. I’m curious - do your kids ever ask for flavored toothpaste? Mine always wanted bubblegum, but I swear it made them brush longer.

My kids are obsessed with the watermelon toothpaste - never thought that would be a thing, but hey, whatever gets them brushing. The silly songs work too, though mine usually end up giggling with a mouthful of foam. I tried the reward chart route, but honestly, I kept forgetting to hand out stickers... oops. Timers are a lifesaver, especially when they try to speed-brush and call it done in ten seconds.

I tried the reward chart route, but honestly, I kept forgetting to hand out stickers...

Timers are a solid choice - kids can’t really argue with a countdown. I’ve noticed flavors like watermelon or bubblegum do make a difference, even if it seems odd. “Whatever gets them brushing” is right. Just watch the foam, though; too much can hide missed spots.