Tips for Encouraging Kids to Brush Their Teeth
Kids are always on the go. They’ve got school, their friends, sports, homework, and time with their families, it’s a wonder they still have energy for anything else! While your kids are growing up and learning to take care of themselves, it’s important for parents and caregivers to stress the importance of taking care of your teeth and brushing twice a day for two minutes each time.1
Healthy habits can start at any time, but making oral health habits the norm when your kids are young can go a long way. Try these fun ways to get kids to brush their teeth!
Key Takeaways
- Start Early to Build Lasting Habits. The earlier brushing becomes part of children’s daily schedule, the more likely it is to stick.2,4
- Let Kids Take Ownership. Encouraging children to pick out their own toothbrush makes brushing feel more personal and fun.1,3
- Make Brushing Interactive and Fun. From brushing together as a family to playing music or telling stories, turning toothbrushing into an engaging experience can make kids more excited about the routine.1,2,4
Start Oral Health Habits Early
It usually takes some time before children are able to brush their teeth independently. But by starting early, you can turn tooth brushing into part of their morning and night routine.2 There’s often a lot of focus on brushing before bedtime, but the earlier that adults can introduce brushing twice a day, the more likely they are to create a lasting habit.2 Even if your little one doesn’t have their first tooth yet, you can still wipe their gums clean, setting a foundation for the oral health habits to come!2
Fun Ways to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth
1. Let them Choose the Tool.
Small kids love doing things by themselves – so let them pick out a soft-bristled toothbrush that appeals to them!1 By letting them take part in the selection process, they’ll be more likely to take ownership of the activity. Pair the new toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste designed by dentists, formulated for children like Pronamel Kids! They’ll love the berry twist flavor and adults will love that it’s free from sugar, SLS and paraben!
2. Play into Their Likes.
What are your kids into? Princesses? Construction equipment? Classic animated characters? Indulge them a little in this regard – if they haven’t chosen a toothbrush of their own yet, keep an eye out for one with their favorite characters on it!1,3 It might get them hyped about the prospect of brushing their teeth.2
3. Make it a Team Effort.
Brushing your teeth as a family is always a good idea.1,4 Younger kids love to imitate adults, so by brushing your teeth together, caregivers have the opportunity to model some excellent behaviors and oral health habits!1,4 Make brushing in the morning and night a family affair, not only will you get to make sure your kids are brushing their teeth, you’ll get to make sure they’re brushing properly.4
4. Play a Song.
Brushing for two minutes, twice a day can feel like a lot to a young child. Adults can make it fun and make sure they’re brushing for the right amount of time by pressing play on a song!1,3 The American Dental Association has an upbeat playlist with videos to engage and encourage your little one.
Tell a Story.
While your child is brushing, use the two minutes to tell a story that engages them and makes them brush correctly. Make the story dynamic, about a tooth brushing superhero who flies back and forth fighting cavities and giving out healthy smiles; encourage kids to brush along!1
Simple Rewards
You know what motivates your child. Do they light up for sticker chart or the promise of a new book? Think about what’s right for their age, keep track of their tooth brushing progress, and let them work up to an appropriate reward by taking great care of their teeth with proper adult supervision.1
Source Citations:
- 5 ways to make toothbrushing fun for kids. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/fun-ways-to-encourage-kids-to-brush. Accessed 5/13/25.
- Let the Brushing Games Begin. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/let-the-brushing-games-begin.aspx. Accessed 5/13/25.
- 7 Toothbrushing Tunes Kids (and Parents) Will Love. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/kids-brushing-playlist. Accessed 5/13/25.
- Kid-Tested, Dentist-Approved: 6 Teeth Cleaning Tips from Dentist Parents. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/teeth-cleaning-tips-from-dentist-parents. Accessed 5/13/25.
