I totally get the “cheesy” vibe with those apps, but honestly, I started using one when I got my braces and it’s helped keep me on track. The reminders are almost like having a really persistent friend nagging you—in a good way, I guess? I’m not perfect with it, but my gums do seem less irritated lately. My little cousin actually uses the same app just for the badges, so it’s definitely more fun for some people than others. It’s weird how much a phone notification can make you feel guilty for skipping flossing…
I get the appeal of those reminders, especially if you’re dealing with braces and new routines. But I sometimes wonder if relying on an app for motivation is a bit of a crutch. Like, what happens when you get bored or turn off notifications? For me, building habits worked better when I connected it to something I already do every night, like brushing right after dinner. The badges are cute, but I’d probably stop caring about them after a while... Maybe that’s just me, though.
I totally get where you're coming from about the badges losing their novelty after a while. For some people, those digital rewards just don’t stick. I’ve noticed that tying brushing to another routine, like you mentioned, really helps in the long run. Do you think the apps could be more useful if they focused less on rewards and more on education or tracking progress over time?
