Inside: 3 simple tips to make brushing teeth fun for kids! (Part of a shop that has been compensated by Collective Bias and its advertiser).
Brushing teeth is one of our girls’ favorite parts of the night — it’s right up there with bedtime story. They really look forward to it!
3 Simple Tips to Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids
It’s actually much easier than you would think to get your kids to not only cooperate, but LOVE to brush their teeth. There are three simple things we do in our house to make brushing teeth fun.
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Kids Brushing Teeth Tip #1 – Everyone get their own special toothpaste
Mom and Dad use Tom’s of Maine® Simply White® Clean Mint Cavity Protection Toothpaste. (With as much coffee as I drink I really need the extra whitening!)
My oldest daughter is not crazy about mint, but her favorite fruit is strawberry, so Tom’s of Maine® Silly Strawberry® Anticavity Toothpaste is absolutely perfect!
Even our youngest daughter has her own little tube of Tom’s of Maine® Toddler Training Toothpaste — it’s fluoride free, as our dentist friend recommended until she is two years old.
By having their own unique toothpastes we’ve personalized the brushing experience for the girls. And what kid doesn’t love an excuse to feel unique and special??
So what’s so special about Tom’s of Maine?
It was my mom who actually got us started, as she has been a loyal Tom’s of Maine® fan for years. Their products do not contain artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, or preservatives, and as a parent, it makes me happy to keep things as simple and natural as possible for my girls. (Especially with toddlers that end up eating half of their toothpaste!)
Related: Why I’m NOT Saving My Kids’ Baby Teeth
Kids Brushing Teeth Tip #2 – Create a “soundtrack”
As with many other activities like chores or getting ready in the morning, we love to brush our teeth to music! We have a “brush your teeth” song with ten different, silly verses that we have practiced and perfected over the past couple years. Singing, dancing, laughing, and of course brushing have made this a treasured part of our evening.
Kids Brushing Teeth Tip #3 – Teach Kids to Brush on their Own Early
Since she was old enough to move around, our youngest daughter has wanted to do everything herself! She wants to be just like her sister and brush her teeth like a “big girl.”
I can usually guide her for about 20-30 seconds to make sure that we get her teeth clean, but then it’s “hands off mom!” Both girls love brushing their teeth because it allows them to feel independent.
Related: The Best Way to Whiten Teeth at Home
How do you make brushing teeth fun in your home? Feel free to leave your favorite tricks in the comments below!
More about brushing teeth and other healthy kids habits:
Everything You Need to Know About Baby’s First Dentist Visit
How to Teach Kids to LOVE Healthy Food
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Carrie @huppiemama says
Brushing our teeth seems to be one of the final things we do before rushing out of the door in the morning or after a long day when the kids are definitely ready for bed. I think I need to set aside a little extra time to actually make it fun! #client
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
I totally understand being in a rush to get the kids to bed! Time seems to fly after school 🙂
Lisa Lewis, MD says
I’ve seen Tom’s, we’ll have to give it a try. Teeth brushing sounds like a fun and educational experience at your house. Great advice!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Thanks Lisa! The girls do love their special nighttime routine 🙂