Mixing it up really does seem to help. I’ve seen kids get bored with apps after a week, but then they’ll get into a chart for a while—or vice versa. Letting them pick out a toothbrush or toothpaste flavor gives them some control, which can make a difference. I’ve also noticed that brushing together and making it a routine (even if it’s just chatting about their day) sometimes sticks better than any sticker or app. Not every night’s a win, but the variety definitely keeps things from getting stale.
I’ve also noticed that brushing together and making it a routine (even if it’s just chatting about their day) sometimes sticks better than any sticker or app.
- Totally agree with "kids get bored with apps after a week." Mine lasted maybe five days before ignoring the brushing app.
- DIY charts worked longer, but only if I let him design his own. Markers everywhere, but he loved it.
- Gave up on tech for now—letting him pick toothpaste flavor made more difference than any gadget.
- Sometimes we just brush together while talking about Minecraft... seems to work better than anything fancy.
Sometimes we just brush together while talking about Minecraft... seems to work better than anything fancy.
That’s such a good point. I see a lot of families get caught up in the “right” tool or app, but honestly, just being present and making it a shared thing often sticks more. In my experience, the step-by-step usually goes like this: first, let the kid pick something (flavor, brush color, whatever), then make it a routine—same time, same place—and finally, add in a bit of fun or conversation. The chart or app is just an extra layer, but not the main motivator.
I do think some kids really love tracking progress—my niece was obsessed with her homemade chart for months, but my nephew couldn’t care less. It’s funny how different they are. Has anyone tried letting their kids “teach” them how to brush? Sometimes flipping the roles sparks more excitement than any reward system.
- You nailed it with the “shared thing” approach. In my experience, the tech (apps, charts) only goes so far—kids pick up on what matters to the adults around them. If brushing feels like a social, positive habit, they’re much more likely to do it without fuss.
- Letting the kid choose their own brush or toothpaste flavor sounds simple, but it really does give them a bit of ownership. I’ve seen that work better than any sticker chart in some families.
- Tracking progress appeals to some personalities, for sure. My own daughter loved coloring in her chart every night, but her little brother just wanted to race through brushing so he could get back to his LEGOs. It’s all about knowing your kid.
- The “teach the adult” trick is underrated. Sometimes I’ll ask my son to show me how it’s done, and suddenly he’s way more careful and thorough. It’s like flipping a switch. Makes me wonder if we overthink rewards sometimes.
Definitely agree—routine and connection seem to matter more than whatever app or system you pick.
“If brushing feels like a social, positive habit, they’re much more likely to do it without fuss.”
That’s the part I keep coming back to, honestly. I get so anxious about my daughter’s teeth—she had a cavity at four and I still feel guilty about it. I’ve tried both apps and charts, but neither seemed to “stick” unless I was right there doing it with her. The apps were fun for a week, then she lost interest. The chart became a battle after a while. Maybe it’s just her personality, but I sometimes wonder if all these systems just add pressure instead of helping.
I do like the idea of letting kids pick their own toothpaste or brush, though. That’s one thing that actually made a difference for us—she got obsessed with this sparkly blue toothpaste and suddenly brushing wasn’t such a fight.
Does anyone else worry that if we make too big a deal out of brushing (with charts, apps, rewards), it turns into another thing for kids to push back on? Or is that just my anxiety talking?
