Copycat brushing actually worked way better for my niece than any gadget. She just wanted to do what I was doing—if I made a game out of it, she’d stick with it. But yeah, it’s not always foolproof. Ever tried switching up the toothpaste flavors or using a timer? That got her laughing and kept things fresh for a while.
I’ve seen the copycat thing work wonders, but I’ve also watched it flop if the kid’s just not in the mood. Honestly, back in the day, we didn’t have all these fancy flavors—just that classic mint. Do you think all these new toothpaste flavors really help, or just make things more complicated?
Honestly, I think the flavors do help—at least for my kid. Classic mint was way too “spicy” for her, and it turned brushing into a battle every night. Once we tried strawberry and watermelon, she got way more interested. I get that it can feel like overkill with all these choices, but if a bubblegum toothpaste gets her brushing without drama, I’m all for it. It’s one less thing to fight about after a long day.
if a bubblegum toothpaste gets her brushing without drama, I’m all for it. It’s one less thing to fight about after a long day.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I see so many parents getting stressed about “the right” toothpaste, but honestly, the best toothpaste is the one your kid will actually use without a meltdown. If that means watermelon sparkles instead of classic mint, so be it. I’ve watched enough little ones clamp their mouths shut at the mere whiff of mint to know it’s not worth the nightly standoff.
I used to think all those flavors were just marketing nonsense, but after seeing how much more cooperative kids are when they get to pick their own “special” toothpaste, I’ve changed my tune. My own niece went through a phase where she’d only brush with “unicorn bubblegum”—I have no idea what that’s supposed to taste like, but it worked. Sometimes you’ve got to pick your battles, right?
One thing I do try to mention (without turning into the toothpaste police) is just making sure whatever flavor you pick has fluoride and isn’t loaded with sugar. Most kids’ toothpastes are fine on that front, but I’ve seen some novelty ones that are basically candy in disguise… not great for teeth in the long run.
And honestly, if flavors and fun toothbrushes are what get kids into a good brushing routine early on, that’s a win in my book. The habits matter way more than whether it tastes like spearmint or strawberry ice cream. If you can avoid that end-of-day struggle and keep those little teeth healthy at the same time, you’re doing something right.
It’s funny—sometimes I’ll even let kids “teach” me how to brush using their favorite toothpaste. They love showing off their skills and it turns into a game instead of a chore. Makes everything less stressful for everyone involved... especially after a long day when patience is running thin.
Long story short: don’t sweat the flavors too much. If your kid wants bubblegum today and watermelon tomorrow, as long as they’re brushing, you’re winning.
The habits matter way more than whether it tastes like spearmint or strawberry ice cream.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally sold on the “any flavor goes” thing. My kid got way too attached to the super-sweet stuff, and now anything remotely minty is a no-go, even as she’s getting older. I kinda wish we’d eased her into the “grown-up” flavors a bit sooner. Anyone else had trouble transitioning away from the novelty pastes? Maybe it’s just my stubborn child, but man... I feel like we created a monster.
