During National Children’s Dental Health Month. Each year, we turn over our blog to Mojo, The Monkey – Tecumseh Ridge Dental resident kids’ oral health expert. Let’s read what Mojo has to share this year.
Getting kids excited about brushing and flossing can sometimes feel like pulling teeth—but it doesn’t have to be that way! At Tecumseh Ridge Dental, we think that oral hygiene should be thorough but also fun, engaging, and rewarding for kids. If your little one sees brushing as a chore, we have some creative ideas to turn their routine into a game they’ll actually enjoy.
DIY Toothbrush Timers
The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day. But let’s be honest—two minutes can feel like an eternity for kids! Make the time fly with these fun DIY toothbrush timers:
- Glitter Timer Jar: Fill a small jar with water, glue, and glitter. When it’s time to brush, shake it up and let kids watch the glitter settle while they brush.
- Lego Countdown Timer: Use a small Lego tower where each block represents 30 seconds. Have your child remove a block every 30 seconds until their two-minute brushing time is up.
- Sticker Chart Challenge: Create a reward system where kids earn stickers for brushing twice a day. After a week of perfect brushing, they get a small prize!
Turn Brushing into a Dance Party with Songs
Music makes everything better—including brushing! Playing a two-minute song can make the process more entertaining and keep kids brushing for the full recommended time. Here are some favorite brushing songs from the team at Tecumseh Ridge Dental:
- “Brush Your Teeth” by Raffi – A classic!
- “This Is the Way We Brush Our Teeth” – A playful twist on the nursery rhyme.
- “Brush to the Beat” by Mickey Mouse – A fun, educational tune.
- “Brushy Brush Song” by Elmo – A lively song that makes brushing an adventure.
- Let your child pick their favorite two-minute song and make it a daily brushing anthem!
Fun Dental Apps to Keep Kids Motivated
Technology can be a great tool to make brushing fun and interactive. Here are some fantastic apps that help kids stay on track:
- Brush DJ – Plays a random two-minute song to keep kids brushing the right amount of time.
- Disney Magic Timer by Oral-B – Features favorite Disney characters and rewards kids with digital stickers for consistent brushing.
- Toothsavers – A brushing game where kids defeat the cavity monsters by brushing their teeth.
- Chomper Chums – Helps kids develop good brushing habits while earning fun rewards.
Download at your favorite app store.
Make Brushing a Family Affair
Kids love to imitate their parents, so make oral hygiene a family event. Brush your teeth together and show them that even adults follow the same rules! Adding friendly competition—like who can make the funniest toothpaste mustache—can also keep things lively.
Let Them Pick Their Gear
Allowing kids to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste makes them more excited to use them. Whether it’s a toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or a fun-flavored toothpaste, giving them a say makes brushing feel special.
Bonus Tip: Celebrate Small Wins
Positive reinforcement works wonders. Celebrate a full week of great brushing with a small reward, like an extra bedtime story or a fun outing. The more kids associate brushing with fun and success, the easier it will be to make it a lifelong habit.
By turning oral hygiene into a fun and interactive experience, you’ll help your child build healthy habits that last a lifetime. If you need more tips or want to schedule a kid-friendly dental visit, Tecumseh Ridge Dental is here to help!
And remember even when they are young, your kids should come in for regular cleanings and check-ups. Schedule your next appointment today at 405-857-6453.
Learn more about family dentistry at Tecumseh Ridge Dental in Norman.
More by Mojo:
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