At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we are always happy and excited to help children establish a lifetime of beautiful smiles through a proper oral health routine that includes brushing their teeth twice daily, flossing at least once daily, and eating healthy snacks that support tooth and gum health.
However, we also understand that children can be fussy sometimes. They may find brushing and flossing “boring” or something more of a chore than a fun routine to look forward to.
The good news is that there are ways to make dental care fun for kids, encouraging them to look forward to brushing their teeth and maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Why Positive Dental Habits Start Early
As parents, we understand that good habits need to be encouraged early so they remain with our children as they get older. These are mostly simple things, such as washing hands, not speaking with a full mouth, saying “please” and “thank you,” and taking care of oral health.
Developing habits such as these is essential in our family-focused community in Midtown Toronto, where there are virtually endless opportunities to meet new people and make great first impressions.
A healthy smile also helps initiate new relationships on a positive note. However, like most things, healthy teeth and gums can only be maintained through habits that keep them strong and attractive.
Furthermore, following a regular oral health routine helps prevent adverse dental health outcomes such as:
Cavities and tooth decay
Brushing removes plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that produces acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities and, if left untreated, severe tooth decay
Gum disease
Regular brushing prevents the buildup of plaque that irritates gums, potentially leading to soreness, bleeding, and tooth loss over time
Poor sleep and school attendance
Dental problems, such as cavities, can cause pain and infection, impacting a child’s sleep, affecting their ability to concentrate, and potentially leading to missing school
Unhealthy permanent teeth
Caring for baby teeth ensures they serve their role in proper jaw development and guiding permanent teeth into place
Severe health conditions
Good oral health and optimal nutrition that supports it have been linked to a reduced risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes later in life
Fun dental tips for kids
Today’s parents are fortunate to be raising children at a time when modern technology can help young people enjoy brushing and flossing, making oral health maintenance an enjoyable activity instead of a chore.
Several apps are available that make brushing teeth fun, such as:
Disney Magic Timer by Oral-B
This free app uses popular Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters to make brushing exciting, with characters and images unlocked as children brush for the recommended two minutes.
Mimizaur
Use this app to transform brushing into an adventure with short, cartoon-style clips and educational content that teaches good oral hygiene. It allows for multiple profiles and timers to suit different ages.
Brush DJ
Run this simple, ad-free app that plays music from your phone’s library for two minutes, helping to make the time fly by. It also offers reminders for brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
In-phone timers
Use the timer on your phone or mobile device to sound an alarm after two minutes while your child brushes their teeth. Some apps can also play a sound every 30 seconds so your child knows when to switch quadrants.
Tell stories
Some parents also turn brushing into a fun, engaging activity by telling a 2-minute story in which brushing is an adventure, such as fighting off “sugar bugs” or “plaque monsters”. Incorporate characters and themes that your child loves, such as princesses, superheroes, or even zombies, to make the story more compelling.
Brush and floss together
Children enjoy doing activities with their parents, and brushing and flossing are no different. Make oral health routines a bonding experience by doing them together.
Visit a Kids Dentist in Midtown Toronto
Yonge Eglinton Dental welcomes families into our offices to help them enjoy happy, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
We’re especially passionate about creating positive dental experiences for children. Our empathetic approach to children’s dentistry helps ensure they look forward to every visit and enjoy brushing and flossing their teeth between visits.
After all, the dental team at Yonge Eglinton Dental knows that seeing our children smile is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Let us work together to ensure their smiles are strong, healthy, and supported by good habits for decades to come!
Make Dental Care Fun for Kids with the Experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental
Contact our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
FAQs about making dental health care fun for kids
How can I make brushing and flossing feel less like a chore for my child?
Turn it into a game! Use a timer, a fun song, or even a brushing app that plays music for a set duration, such as two minutes. Children are more likely to enjoy it if they see it as playtime rather than a task.
What role do toothbrushes and flossers play in making oral care fun?
Colourful, character-themed toothbrushes and kid-sized floss picks can make the routine exciting. Letting your child choose their own brush or floss flavour helps them feel more in control.
Can technology help encourage my child to brush and floss?
Yes. Many apps and electric toothbrushes come with lights, sounds, or reward systems that motivate kids. Some apps even let kids “defeat sugar bugs” while brushing their teeth.
Is it helpful for parents to brush and floss with their kids?
Absolutely! Children love to mimic adults, so brushing and flossing together demonstrates to them that these habits are essential. You can even make it a family challenge to see who brushes the longest.
How can I make flossing less intimidating for kids?
Use colourful, kid-friendly floss picks instead of traditional string floss. Demonstrate it yourself first, then let them try. Turning it into a “treasure hunt” to find food particles can make flossing more enjoyable.
