How Do You Motivate Children to Brush Their Teeth?

Convincing kids to brush their teeth—twice a day, every day—can feel like a never-ending battle. But at Happy Campers Pediatric Dentistry in Albuquerque, Dr. Jung Lee Nouri (Dr. Lee) believes that turning brushing into a positive habit is possible—and even fun. With a few creative approaches, some patience, and a touch of encouragement, your child can become more excited (or at least more cooperative) about daily dental care.

Make It a Game

Children naturally respond to play. Turn brushing into a two-minute adventure by using a fun timer or brushing app. Let them be the “cavity fighter” on a mission to clean every tooth. You can even sing a song or make up a silly brushing dance together. The more engaging the experience, the less it feels like a chore.

Let Them Choose Their Tools

Giving your child some control over their routine can work wonders. Take them to pick out a toothbrush with their favorite character or color. There are also plenty of kid-friendly toothpaste options with mild flavors and fun packaging. Just make sure it contains fluoride and is age-appropriate. When they’ve chosen their tools, they’re more likely to want to use them.

Use a Reward Chart

Stickers might seem simple, but for kids, they can be magical. Create a brushing chart and let them add a sticker each time they brush. When they reach a certain number, celebrate with a non-candy reward—like choosing the bedtime story or a fun outing. It reinforces consistency and gives them a goal to work toward.

Brush Together

Modeling the behavior you want to see makes a big difference. Brush your teeth at the same time as your child to show them that it’s part of everyone’s routine—not just something they have to do. You can even challenge them to “mirror” your brushing moves. It turns it into a bonding moment and helps with technique.

Turn to Stories and Characters

Books and cartoons often help children understand the importance of brushing. There are plenty of kid-friendly resources with relatable characters who emphasize healthy habits. These stories can introduce brushing in a fun and positive light—and when kids see their favorite characters brushing, they’re more likely to join in.

Stay Positive and Consistent

It’s tempting to rush or give up when things get tough, but keeping a calm and encouraging tone helps build trust and routine. Celebrate small wins and avoid negative reinforcement. Over time, those habits will become second nature—and their smile will thank you for it.

Support from Your Pediatric Dental Team in Albuquerque

At Happy Campers Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lee and the team love helping families create healthy, lifelong dental habits. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn brusher or just looking for extra tips, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If your child hasn’t had their first dental visit yet, or it’s time for a checkup, we’d love to welcome you to our kid-friendly practice in Albuquerque. Let’s work together to keep those little smiles happy and healthy—today and every day.

Categorised in: Oral Hygiene