Getting your kids to brush their teeth effectively can be difficult. Let’s face it, standing still for two minutes is already a challenge for some little people. Then there are sensory issues . . ., they don’t like the taste of the toothpaste. . . , you are busy and can’t supervise. . . , they would rather be doing something else . . . the list goes on!
Try one of these smartphone apps to make toothbrushing a game:
- Brush DJ Free download from AppStore or GooglePlay. Basically a toothbrush timer that plays music from your device or the cloud for two minutes to help the time fly by. Buzzes after 30 seconds to remind you to change sides.
- Brush teeth with the Wiggles Free download. We all love the Wiggles – they see things from a child’s perspective. This app is especially suitable for preschoolers and helps teach about healthy teeth from a young age.
- Brusheez – another free app. This ‘little monsters’ toothbrush timer has additional features. Kids get to pick one of two monster friends to have around at toothbrushing time. They can customize features like hair, pajamas, and toothbrush. They also have the option to turn each tooth on or off so the monster’s grin mirrors their own lost baby teeth.’
- Oral B Disney Magic Timer – this one features dozens of your favourite Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters to make toothbrushing more fun. Oral B claims 90% success at getting kits to brush for longer using interactive games, badges etc. earned on their own profile. Downloading the app is free, but to sync it to one of their brushes you need to purchase the product.
- Chomper Chums – free for i-phone.The purpose of the app is to help children (4-11 years) to develop good oral wellness habits at an early age that will last a lifetime. These include brushing for the recommended time period of two minutes, twice per day, as well as flossing and rinsing. To engage children while they brush and learn, the app introduces three fun, friendly and lovable animal characters that are named by the child, and with whom they interact each time they brush. Characters include a lion, horse and alligator – all of whom help the child to learn how to brush properly.
Other useful tips include brushing your own teeth at the same time, and letting your children help you brush your teeth. Having a fun toothbrush based on a favourite character, and using mild childrens’ toothpaste will make brushing more enjoyable. And don’t forget flossing once the baby teeth start to touch. Children should be introduced to dental checkups by the age of one. At St Peters Dental Clinic we are very happy to see children of all ages, and there are also plenty of specialist children’s dental clinics available.
