The struggle is real.

“Did you remember to brush your teeth?”

“Hey, go brush your teeth!”

Some days, it feels as though we say those two sentences sixty times a day. We want our kids to take the time to brush and floss their teeth, but getting them to do it feels like, well, pulling teeth! We try to explain why it’s so important. It prevents tooth decay, bad breath, and costly dental procedures. But we might as well be trying to explain algebra to a wall.

So, what are the best ways to get these kids to actually take care of their oral hygiene? The truth is, it varies from child to child. Don’t be afraid to shake things up and see what works best for you and your family. But don’t worry, we have some ideas for you.

Make it fun.

Sometimes, the easiest way to get those kiddos to brush is to find colorful and engaging toothbrushes and floss. For little ones, let them choose their own toothbrush or even toothpaste. This can make them run through the house when it’s time to brush their teeth yelling about Elsa, puppies, or even Spiderman.

Flossing can sometimes be harder. Sure, you can use the standard spool of dental floss, but that can be a lot more difficult to convince your kiddo to do. At most stores, they have disposable floss picks in fun designs and colors. If flossing is an issue in your household, definitely give these a try!

Set a good example.

It might seem simple, but setting a good example can go a long way toward getting your little ones to brush their teeth. Bring their toothbrushes into your bathroom and make oral hygiene a family affair. Not only does this teach them to incorporate tooth brushing and flossing into their daily routines, but it also gives you the perfect opportunity to ensure they’re not missing any vital steps. This is especially important if they’re still young.

Use technology.

When it comes to creating a lifelong habit, technology is magical. There are many different dental health apps and games out there to help your kids learn how to care for their teeth and ensure they are doing it long enough.

First off is the Disney Magic Kids Timer. They complete levels by brushing their teeth, encouraging them to see what comes next.

Another incentive is music. There is an app called Brush DJ that plays music until the brushing timer is up. But apps aren’t the only way to do this. Most stores now sell musical toothbrushes, equipped with your kiddo’s favorite tunes. These play as they brush and turn off as soon as they hit the two-minute mark.

Create a reward system.

There’s something special about the classic sticker chart. You can download charts made just for this purpose, or create your own. The idea is simple—each time your little one brushes or flosses their teeth, they get to add a sticker to the chart. They can get a small reward when they fill a whole week with stickers.

Incorporate storytelling and role-playing.

A child’s imagination is a magical thing. Why not use it to help them create life-long habits? You can create in-depth stories for them to add to during each brushing session, or even pretend they are whisking away the “bad guys” with the toothbrush. This is a fun way to educate them on how bacteria and cavities work!

If your little one doesn’t want to play pretend while brushing their teeth, you could also help them play “dentist” with their toys. Get an old toothbrush and set up a little office. You can use dolls, stuffed animals, or whatever they have! This is a fantastic way to get them used to the idea of the dentist.

Try educational videos and books.

Exposing your children to oral hygiene can do a lot to help them understand the importance of taking care of their teeth. Videos and books are an easy way to do this. You can find many different videos on YouTube just for this purpose. Is your little one asking “why” a zillion times a day? This video is one engaging example to answer that question. It teaches children all about why they need to brush their teeth, and what happens if they don’t. This cute animated video shows kids how to brush and floss their teeth to ensure their smiles remain healthy.

You can never go wrong with a good children’s book on oral hygiene, so here are 10 books to teach your child about oral health.

Children need regular check-ins.

Let’s face it, kids can be sneaky sometimes. We’d love for them to tell us the truth about whether they brushed their teeth or not, but they’re notorious for doing the exact opposite. Sometimes, all you can do is check in regularly to ensure they are actually doing it. Encourage them with positive reinforcement, and offer rewards for a good tooth-brushing and flossing streak. Get as creative as you need to, and remember that every kid is different.

Get creative!

Parenting can be rough at times. Each time you get used to whatever stage your child is in, they switch to a new one. It can be frustrating at times! But the effort you put in will be worth it—promise! The long-term benefits of teaching them good oral hygiene will follow them for a lifetime.

If you’re struggling with getting your kiddo to brush their teeth, know you’re not alone. Go ahead and give these ideas a try, and see if any of them are the missing link to helping your little one brush their teeth regularly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on things.

The team at Must Love Kids loves to hear about the creative ways you make tooth brushing fun for your kids. If your child is due a dental checkup, book an appointment so we can keep their oral health on track.