With insights from Dr. Andrew Beuttenmuller, Pediatric Dentist in Watertown, NY

Getting kids to brush their teeth properly doesn’t have to be a daily battle. According to Dr. Andrew Beuttenmuller, a respected pediatric dentist in Watertown, NY, the secret lies in turning the routine into a fun and engaging experience. Here are five practical and creative tips to make brushing time something your child looks forward to.

1. Turn Brushing Into a Game

Make brushing time exciting by transforming it into a playful challenge.

  • Use colorful sand timers or brushing apps that play a two-minute song while kids brush.

  • Try apps with animated characters that demonstrate proper technique in a fun way.

  • Brush together with your child, making silly faces or noises to spark laughter and imitation.

Pro Tip: Shared brushing can be both a bonding experience and a chance to model good habits.

2. Let Kids Pick Their Tools

Give your child some control over their oral care by letting them choose their own supplies.

  • Offer toothbrushes featuring favorite characters, ones that light up, or play music.

  • Let them pick fun toothpaste flavors like bubblegum or strawberry.

  • Try brushing in a new spot occasionally—like outside or in front of a mirror in a different room.

Pro Tip: Let them play “dentist” and check your teeth—it empowers them and makes the routine feel special.

3. Use Reward Charts for Motivation

Visual tracking systems give kids a clear sense of accomplishment.

  • Create a sticker chart where they earn a sticker for each successful brushing session.

  • Offer small, non-monetary rewards for milestones—like picking the bedtime story or a fun outing.

Pro Tip: Celebrate the process with praise like “You did such a great job brushing your back teeth!” to reinforce technique and build confidence.

4. Turn Brushing into a Story Adventure

Use your child’s imagination to create a narrative around brushing.

  • Frame it as a mission to defeat “sugar bugs” or “cavity monsters.”

  • Tell stories about protecting the “Tooth Kingdom” or using “magic toothpaste shields.”

Pro Tip: Kids are more likely to brush thoroughly when they’re the hero of the story—saving their smile one brushstroke at a time.

5. Create Positive Dental Associations

Build a healthy relationship with dental care outside the home, too.

  • Read storybooks or watch videos about dental visits featuring friendly characters.

  • Use positive language: Avoid saying “it won’t hurt.” Instead, focus on exciting aspects like the moving chair or earning a new toothbrush.

  • Role-play dental checkups with stuffed animals to make real visits feel familiar and fun.

Pro Tip: Celebrate after dental appointments with something special like a trip to the park—not as a bribe, but as a celebration of healthy habits.

By incorporating these expert-backed tips, brushing can become a moment of joy instead of stress. As Dr. Beuttenmuller emphasizes, when kids find brushing fun, they’re more likely to stick with it—paving the way for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Source: https://hellonation.com/