Getting kids to brush and floss can often feel like an uphill battle, with complaints, distractions, and outright refusals becoming part of the daily routine. But what if you could turn those struggles into something fun and exciting for your little ones? Establishing good oral hygiene habits early is one of the most important gifts you can give your child, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. And the good news? With the right strategies, you can make brushing and flossing something they actually look forward to.

In this post, we’ll share creative, playful, and effective tips to help you get your kids not just willing but excited about their oral care routine. By making these habits fun and engaging, you’ll be able to set them on the path to strong, healthy smiles for years to come. Let’s dive in!

Why Good Oral Hygiene is Crucial for Kids

Ensuring that your child practices proper oral hygiene from a young age is about more than just keeping their smile bright—it’s crucial for their overall health and well-being. Developing these habits early not only prevents common dental issues, like cavities and gum disease, but it also sets the stage for lifelong oral health. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, affecting nearly 1 in 5 kids aged 5 to 11. But with consistent brushing and flossing, these problems are largely preventable.

Healthy teeth allow your child to eat, speak, and smile confidently. On the flip side, poor dental hygiene can lead to painful conditions, missed school days, and even long-term complications like tooth loss or infections. By teaching children the importance of brushing and flossing early, you help them avoid the discomfort and consequences of untreated dental problems.

Good oral hygiene also affects more than just the mouth. Poor dental care has been linked to issues like heart disease and diabetes later in life. Starting these habits early can have a ripple effect, benefiting their overall health well into adulthood. So, while it might seem like a daily hassle now, getting your kids to brush and floss is an investment in their future well-being.

By instilling these practices, you’re not just fighting cavities—you’re giving your child the tools they need to maintain a healthy, happy smile for life.

Understanding Why Kids Resist Brushing and Flossing

Before we dive into how to make brushing and flossing fun, it’s helpful to understand why kids often resist these important habits in the first place. For many children, oral care can feel like an uncomfortable or boring chore, leading to the classic complaints and struggles we’ve all experienced. Recognizing the reasons behind their reluctance can help you address these challenges more effectively.

One common reason is sensory sensitivity. The feeling of bristles on their teeth or the sensation of floss between their gums can be overwhelming for some children, especially those with heightened sensitivities. The taste of certain toothpaste flavors or the pressure of an unfamiliar toothbrush can also be off-putting. Understanding that brushing may feel strange or uncomfortable at first can help you approach the task with more empathy and patience.

Another key reason kids resist brushing and flossing is boredom. To young children, standing still for two minutes while scrubbing their teeth might feel like an eternity. Their attention spans are short, and without something to keep them engaged, brushing can quickly turn into a tedious task. Flossing, especially, can seem confusing or frustrating when their small hands struggle with the technique.

Children also resist brushing and flossing because they simply don’t grasp the importance. Unlike adults, kids don’t always make the connection between oral hygiene and long-term health. For them, the consequences of not brushing—like cavities or gum disease—may seem too distant to take seriously. They might not understand why it matters, so it’s easy to skip or rush through the process.

Lastly, children thrive on routines, but when brushing feels like something they have to do rather than something they get to do, it’s no surprise they push back. For many, brushing and flossing can feel like just another chore, making it easy to resist or avoid.

By understanding these common hurdles, you’re better equipped to tackle them head-on. And the good news is, with a little creativity, you can transform this daily routine from a battle into a fun and rewarding activity that your kids will start looking forward to! Let’s explore some of the best strategies for making oral hygiene a positive part of their day.

Tips to Make Brushing Fun

Transforming toothbrushing from a chore into a fun activity is easier than you might think. By incorporating a few creative strategies, you can turn those two minutes into something your child enjoys and looks forward to each day. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you do just that:

Turn It Into a Game

Kids love games, so why not make brushing their teeth a playful challenge? You can create a toothbrushing game by setting a timer and challenging them to brush until the timer goes off—aiming for the full two minutes recommended by dentists. You could even give it a competitive twist: see if they can brush longer than the last time or “beat” a family member by brushing their teeth the most thoroughly. There are also brushing apps available that turn oral care into a digital adventure. For example, apps like “Brush DJ” or “Disney Magic Timer” play music or feature favorite characters that guide kids through their brushing routine.

Another fun idea is to make a brushing chart with stickers. Kids can earn a sticker each time they brush and floss, working toward a goal like a fun activity or extra screen time. Turning it into a daily challenge with rewards gives them a sense of accomplishment and encourages consistency.

Use Kid-Friendly Tools

One of the simplest ways to make brushing fun is by using kid-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste. Let your child choose a colorful toothbrush that features their favorite cartoon character, superhero, or animal. Some toothbrushes even light up or play music, which can make brushing feel more like playtime than a task. For an extra boost of excitement, consider investing in an electric toothbrush made for kids. These brushes often come with built-in timers and fun designs that make the experience more interactive.

When it comes to toothpaste, give your child some freedom to choose a flavor they enjoy. Many brands offer child-friendly options like bubblegum, fruity, or mild mint flavors that can be more appealing than the strong mint varieties designed for adults. Letting them take ownership of their brushing tools can create excitement and make the task feel less like a parental demand.

Let Them Pick Their Products

Involving your child in the process of choosing their toothbrush, toothpaste, or even their floss can give them a sense of control. Take them shopping and let them pick out the items they like best. When children feel like they have a say in their oral care routine, they are more likely to engage with it enthusiastically. This can be as simple as allowing them to choose between two or three toothbrush options or picking the toothpaste flavor they want to use for the week.

This autonomy, even in small choices, helps build a positive relationship with the habit of brushing. They’re not just following a rule—they’re involved in the decision-making process, which can make them feel more responsible and excited about keeping their teeth clean.

By turning brushing into a game, using fun tools, and giving kids some control over their oral care products, you can take the dread out of daily toothbrushing. Once it’s an activity they look forward to, your child will naturally start to build these healthy habits. Now, let’s dive into how you can make flossing fun and easy for your kids too!

Flossing Made Fun and Easy

Flossing can seem like a challenging task for kids, especially since it requires a bit more dexterity and focus than brushing. However, just like with brushing, there are plenty of ways to make flossing an enjoyable part of their daily routine. By introducing fun tools and creative methods, you can help your child see flossing as less of a struggle and more of a playful activity. Here are some ideas to make flossing easy and fun for your little ones:

Use Floss Picks or Kid-Friendly Flossers

Traditional floss can be tricky for small hands, but floss picks designed for kids can make the process much easier. These colorful, kid-friendly flossers come in fun shapes like animals or stars and are small enough for children to handle comfortably. The bright colors and playful designs can help hold your child’s attention, making flossing feel like playtime. These flossers are also easier for kids to maneuver between their teeth compared to traditional string floss, helping them develop the habit with less frustration.

Consider turning flossing into a game by asking your child to “catch” the food particles hiding between their teeth. Challenge them to use their floss pick like a superhero tool that saves their teeth from “sugar bugs” or “plaque monsters.” This kind of imaginative play can make the process more engaging while still teaching them the importance of proper flossing.

Turn It Into a Song or Rhyme

Kids love music, and turning flossing into a musical activity can make it much more enjoyable. Create a fun flossing song or rhyme that you sing every time they floss, or find a song that lasts about two minutes to floss along to. You can even encourage your child to make up their own flossing tune, adding an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the routine.

For younger children, you could use a familiar tune, like the melody of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” but with floss-related lyrics. For example:

“Floss between each little tooth,
To keep them clean and shiny, that’s the truth!
Up and down, left and right,
Floss away with all your might!”

Singing while flossing not only distracts them from the task but also helps build a positive association with the habit. Music can make the experience feel more like fun than work, creating an oral care routine they’ll look forward to.

Reward Their Efforts

Positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging kids to floss regularly. Just as with brushing, setting up a reward system for flossing can give your child extra motivation to stick with it. For example, you could create a flossing chart where they earn a sticker every time they floss successfully. Once they collect a certain number of stickers, they could earn a special reward, like picking the family movie for movie night or enjoying extra time playing their favorite game.

Be sure to celebrate small victories along the way, praising their effort and consistency. Even if they don’t get it perfect at first, the key is building the habit and making them feel proud of their progress. A little encouragement can make a big difference in how they view flossing. And remember, the rewards don’t have to be food-related. Fun outings, extra playtime, or a new toy can be just as exciting.

Start Flossing Early

The earlier you introduce flossing, the more it becomes a natural part of your child’s routine. While many parents wait until all the baby teeth have come in, you can start flossing once your child has two teeth that touch. By making flossing a familiar task from an early age, kids are less likely to resist it as they grow older. Flossing becomes just another part of their daily oral care routine, much like brushing.

If your child is very young, start by flossing their teeth for them, and over time, teach them how to do it themselves. Showing them how it’s done and explaining why it’s important can help them understand and accept flossing as part of their responsibility.

By using fun tools like floss picks, incorporating music or rhymes, and setting up a reward system, you can make flossing feel like an enjoyable activity rather than a chore. When your child starts seeing flossing as an exciting part of their day, it will become much easier to instill this crucial habit. Now, let’s explore how you can use positive reinforcement to further boost your child’s enthusiasm for brushing and flossing!

Incorporate Positive Reinforcement

One of the most effective ways to get kids excited about brushing and flossing is through positive reinforcement. Children thrive on encouragement, and when they receive praise or rewards for their efforts, it motivates them to continue the behavior. By creating a fun and supportive atmosphere around oral care, you can help turn brushing and flossing into activities they look forward to. Here’s how you can use positive reinforcement to boost their enthusiasm:

Create a Reward System

Kids love to be rewarded for their efforts, and a simple reward system can work wonders in getting them to stick with their brushing and flossing routine. You can set up a toothbrushing and flossing chart where your child earns stickers for completing their morning and evening oral care. Each time they brush and floss, they get to place a fun sticker on the chart. After they’ve collected a certain number of stickers—say after a week of consistent brushing—they can earn a small prize or privilege.

The rewards don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Small rewards, such as extra screen time, a trip to the park, or letting them choose a family activity, can be enough to keep them motivated. The key is consistency; knowing they’ll be rewarded for their effort encourages them to stay on track. Just be sure to avoid food-related rewards, particularly sugary treats, as this can send mixed messages about dental health.

For younger children, you could also introduce a “tooth fairy” incentive, where the tooth fairy leaves a small note or surprise for excellent brushing and flossing. This magical twist can help bring even more excitement to their oral care routine.

Offer Lots of Praise and Encouragement

Positive reinforcement isn’t just about tangible rewards. Verbal praise and encouragement are powerful tools that can make your child feel proud of their efforts. Whenever your child brushes or flosses well, let them know how great they’re doing. Comments like “You’re doing an awesome job taking care of your teeth!” or “Wow, your smile is going to be so shiny and healthy!” can build their confidence and reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene.

Be specific in your praise, too. For example, if they flossed well between all their teeth, acknowledge their thoroughness. If they brushed for the full two minutes, point out their dedication. Children respond positively to praise, and by highlighting their accomplishments, you’ll be reinforcing the behaviors you want them to continue.

For older kids, explaining why their efforts matter can also be an effective motivator. Tell them how their brushing and flossing helps keep their teeth strong, prevents cavities, and even makes their dentist proud. By helping them understand the value of their actions, you’ll make them feel more empowered and responsible for their own health.

Celebrate Milestones

In addition to daily or weekly rewards, consider celebrating larger milestones in your child’s oral care journey. For example, if they complete a full month of consistent brushing and flossing, reward them with a special treat like a family outing or a new toy. This gives them something bigger to look forward to, and it reinforces the idea that good habits lead to positive outcomes.

Another great milestone to celebrate is a successful dental check-up. If your child visits the dentist and receives praise for their healthy teeth and gums, use that as an opportunity to celebrate their good habits at home. Perhaps they could choose a new toothbrush or toothpaste flavor as a reward, or you could plan a fun activity after their appointment. This not only makes the dentist visit more enjoyable but also ties the reward directly to their hard work in maintaining their oral health.

Make Brushing and Flossing a Special Time

Sometimes, positive reinforcement comes from making brushing and flossing a special moment in the day. You can frame oral care as an opportunity for bonding and connection. For instance, if you brush and floss together as a family, it can become a shared routine that your child looks forward to. Kids are more likely to engage in a task if they see their parents enjoying it too, so when you join in, it makes the experience feel more like a team effort rather than a solo chore.

You can also personalize the routine by playing your child’s favorite music, reading a short story before brushing, or turning it into an interactive event. Even something as simple as “brushing time” being a silly, laughter-filled few minutes can make a big difference in how your child perceives the task. It’s less about the actual activity and more about the positive experience surrounding it.

By using rewards, offering praise, celebrating milestones, and creating special moments, you can help make brushing and flossing feel rewarding for your child. Positive reinforcement not only builds enthusiasm but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride in maintaining healthy habits. 

Lead by Example

Children are keen observers, and they often model their behavior after what they see their parents doing. This makes your own oral care routine a powerful teaching tool. By demonstrating good brushing and flossing habits, you can show your kids that taking care of their teeth is not just something you ask them to do—it’s something everyone in the family does. Here’s how you can lead by example and make oral hygiene a shared family priority:

Brush and Floss Together

One of the easiest and most effective ways to encourage your kids to brush and floss is to make it a family activity. When you brush and floss alongside them, it normalizes the process and helps them feel like they’re part of a team. Set aside time in the morning and before bed to brush and floss together, and make it an enjoyable routine rather than a rushed task.

Children are much more likely to stick to healthy habits when they see their parents doing the same. While brushing and flossing, talk to them about why you’re doing it and what benefits come from it—keeping your teeth strong, fresh breath, and preventing cavities. Use this time as an opportunity for bonding, and you’ll also reinforce the importance of oral hygiene without it feeling like a lecture.

If you have more than one child, encourage sibling participation as well. Turning oral care into a family affair builds positive associations, making it feel like a shared responsibility rather than an individual chore. Your children will see that taking care of their teeth is something everyone in the family values, and this can foster a sense of pride in their own efforts.

Make Oral Care Part of the Daily Routine

Just like getting dressed or eating breakfast, brushing and flossing should be a natural part of your child’s daily routine. When these habits are built into their day consistently, they become non-negotiable tasks that simply happen as part of the schedule.

To help integrate oral care into their routine, try linking it to other activities. For example, brushing and flossing could always happen right after breakfast and right before bedtime. Make it a “no-skip” rule, just like putting on pajamas or reading a bedtime story. The more predictable and consistent the routine, the easier it is for your child to adopt it as a lifelong habit.

A useful tip is to create a visual schedule or checklist for younger children. This could be a fun, colorful chart that outlines their morning and bedtime tasks, with brushing and flossing included. Being able to check off each task gives them a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the habit as part of their daily responsibilities.

Talk About Oral Hygiene in a Positive Way

The language you use around oral hygiene matters. Instead of framing brushing and flossing as tasks they “have to do” to avoid consequences like cavities, try to talk about them as things they “get to do” to keep their smiles healthy and strong. Shifting the tone from a negative (“brush, or you’ll get cavities!”) to a positive (“let’s brush to keep your smile bright!”) can make a big difference in how they perceive the routine.

Celebrate the small victories and acknowledge their effort. For example, if your child remembers to brush without being asked, or if they floss particularly well, highlight these moments and praise them. Positive language helps build a sense of pride and ownership over their oral care routine, which will carry over as they grow older.

Model Consistency and Care

Children are more likely to follow through on brushing and flossing when they see their parents prioritizing their own oral health. Show your child that you take your own dental care seriously by brushing and flossing daily. You can even take them with you to your dental appointments to show them that regular dental check-ups are a normal part of staying healthy. When kids see that their parents go to the dentist without fear or hesitation, it helps eliminate any anxiety they might have about their own visits.

You can also talk to them about your own experiences with dental care—how you take care of your teeth, how it feels good to have clean teeth, and why it’s important. These conversations can help demystify the process and make it less of an abstract concept for your child.

Additionally, model good oral health habits outside of just brushing and flossing. Encourage drinking water over sugary drinks, eating tooth-friendly snacks like fruits and veggies, and limiting sweets. When your child sees these healthy behaviors in action, they are more likely to adopt them as part of their own routine.

Involve Your Child in Decision-Making

Kids love feeling like they have a say in their activities, so give them some responsibility in their oral care routine. You could let them pick out their toothbrush, choose the flavor of their toothpaste, or even decide the order in which they brush and floss. When children feel like they have control over the process, they are much more engaged.

Invite them to take ownership by setting personal oral care goals, such as brushing for a full two minutes or flossing every night for a week. Celebrate their successes and encourage them to challenge themselves to maintain these habits long-term.

By brushing and flossing together, making oral care a consistent part of the routine, and using positive language, you’re setting a powerful example that your child will follow. When they see that you value your own oral health, they’re more likely to adopt these habits as their own.

Get Your Dentist Involved

While the efforts you make at home to get your kids excited about brushing and flossing are essential, your dentist also plays a significant role in reinforcing these habits. Pediatric dentists and dental hygienists are skilled at engaging children and making dental visits both educational and enjoyable. By working with your dentist, you can create a full circle of support for your child’s oral health, helping them understand that both home care and regular check-ups are part of the bigger picture of keeping their teeth healthy. Here are some ways to get your dentist involved in making brushing and flossing fun:

Dental Visits as an Adventure

For many kids, the dentist’s office can be intimidating at first. However, pediatric dentists are experienced in making visits to the dentist a positive, even fun, experience for children. Talk to your child about upcoming dental visits in an exciting way, framing it as a new adventure. Explain that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth “super strong” and “extra sparkly.” Let your child know that dentists are like tooth superheroes, helping to defeat cavities and keep their smile bright.

Many pediatric dental offices are designed with kid-friendly environments—bright colors, playful decorations, toys, and games—that help ease dental anxiety. Dentists may even provide children with small rewards like stickers or a toy after their visit, further reinforcing a positive association with dental care. This can make your child look forward to their appointments, which helps them take their daily oral hygiene more seriously at home. The experience of going to the dentist shouldn’t be a scary or negative one—in fact, it can help reinforce the importance of brushing and flossing.

The Power of “The Dentist Said”

Children are often more likely to listen to authority figures outside of their immediate family. When your dentist takes the time to explain the importance of brushing and flossing to your child, it adds a new level of significance to the routine. During your child’s dental visit, ask the dentist or hygienist to talk directly to your child about how brushing and flossing help keep their teeth healthy and strong. Hearing this information from a professional can make your child more likely to engage in the routine at home because it doesn’t feel like just a parental rule.

Your dentist might even use educational tools—like showing plaque on their teeth or using dental models to demonstrate how brushing and flossing work. These visual aids can help children better understand what’s happening inside their mouths and why oral care is so important. Plus, kids tend to love demonstrations with dental tools, so this can turn a learning opportunity into an exciting event.

Use the Dentist’s Advice

Your dentist is a valuable resource for advice on how to encourage your child to brush and floss regularly. They can recommend the best tools for your child’s age and needs, such as specialized toothbrushes, toothpaste, or flossers that make the routine more enjoyable. Dentists also provide professional cleanings and fluoride treatments that give your child a “clean slate” to work from, which might motivate them to keep their teeth in good condition between visits.

If you’re dealing with a particularly reluctant child, your dentist can help you troubleshoot. They may offer personalized strategies for overcoming resistance based on your child’s specific temperament, dental needs, and preferences. This collaboration between you, your child, and the dentist creates a team approach to maintaining good oral hygiene, where everyone is working together to achieve a shared goal: keeping those teeth healthy.

Regular Dental Visits Reinforce Oral Hygiene

Scheduling regular dental check-ups reinforces the idea that taking care of teeth is a lifelong responsibility. Aim for visits every six months, as recommended by most dentists. This consistency helps your child see dental care as part of their overall health routine, rather than something to be afraid of or avoid. Regular appointments allow the dentist to catch any early signs of cavities or other dental issues, ensuring that your child stays on top of their oral health.

At the end of each visit, dentists often remind children to brush and floss regularly to keep their teeth in top shape until the next appointment. When the dentist praises your child for their good habits, it boosts their confidence and encourages them to continue their efforts at home.

Involving your dentist in your child’s oral care routine adds an extra layer of support that can be incredibly beneficial. By making dental visits fun, listening to the dentist’s advice, and scheduling regular check-ups, you create a complete system that helps your child build and maintain excellent brushing and flossing habits. With the help of their dentist, your child will see that taking care of their teeth is an exciting adventure, not just something they have to do!

Conclusion

Establishing good oral hygiene habits early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. By using creative strategies to make brushing and flossing fun, incorporating positive reinforcement, and leading by example, you can help your child see oral care as a rewarding and enjoyable part of their day. Don’t forget that your dentist is your partner in this journey—regular check-ups and dental advice will reinforce everything you’ve taught them at home.

Start today by trying out these playful and effective tips, and watch as your child’s enthusiasm for brushing and flossing grows. Together, you can ensure they develop habits that will keep their smiles bright and healthy for years to come. Schedule your child’s next dental appointment with Mergendent, and let our friendly, kid-focused team help make oral hygiene an adventure they’ll love!