Chances are if you’re a parent, you’ve found yourself in a full-on brushing battle with your little one in the morning. “Did you brush?” They may say they did, but funky breath and a cavity at the next annual check-up say otherwise. The good news is that a consistent tooth brushing routine doesn’t have to feel like a twice-a-day wrestling match. With the right tools, a dash of creativity, and a pinch of persistence, you can turn brushing from a dreaded chore into a family habit that sticks.
Is It Really That Important?
Yes! A proper tooth brushing routine is more than just sparkling smiles. It’s about protecting kids’ oral health now and teaching habits that will last a lifetime. Plaque doesn’t care if your mornings are chaotic or if bedtime sometimes runs late. But the earlier kids see brushing as ‘just what you have to do’, the easier it becomes to maintain that consistency for the long haul.
The 3 Pillars of a Successful Brushing Routine
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Consistency is Key
Brush twice a day—morning and evening—no exceptions. Even on weekends. Even on vacation. Kids thrive on routine, so when brushing happens at the same time every day, it becomes as natural as putting on pajamas. -
Make Brushing Fun
If kids see brushing as play, you’ve already won half the battle.
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Use a silly song or two-minute brushing playlist.
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Let them “brush” your teeth (spoiler: this is code for letting them giggle while they tickle you with a toothbrush).
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Introduce a favorite character toothbrush or colorful, tasty toothpaste, like Cocoshine in juicy Lychee Breeze or delectable Piña Colada.
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A soft toothbrush in fun colors makes brushing more enjoyable, too!
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Positive Reinforcement
Praise, stickers, and small rewards work wonders for habit formation. Try a brushing chart where they can track progress and earn little awards for each milestone. For example, a 7 day brushing streak = their favorite dinner that night!
3 Ways To Make Mornings Manageable
Mornings can feel like a countdown to chaos. Here’s how to fit in brushing without adding stress:
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Brush before breakfast: this ensures it gets done, even if you’re sprinting out the door.
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Set a visual timer: An hourglass like the Brush & Bliss Timer makes the 2 minutes go by like a fun challenge and keeps them focused and on track.
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Model the behavior: brush your teeth alongside them—it’s bonding and leading by example rolled into one.
The Not-So-Scary Nighttime Brushing Order of Operations
The wind-down before bed can be tricky—everyone’s tired, and bedtime stalling is a universal art form. Try this sequence:
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Bath or choosing their PJs for the night.
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Brush teeth (and floss if age-appropriate — Confetti Cake Cocofloss is a favorite).
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Storytime! This way, brushing is framed as part of the cozy, relaxing lead-up to sleep.
Did You Know…
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If you’re teaching your toddler to brush, you’ll likely need to guide the toothbrush yourself, then let them have a “turn.”
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Little mouths only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to start.
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Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months or sooner if bristles fray.
By building a morning and evening routine that’s consistent, playful, and positive, you’ll make dental hygiene for children less of a daily struggle—and more of a family win. Remember: small steps lead to lasting habits, and those habits protect little smiles for years to come. Still have questions? Talk to your pediatric dentist at the next annual check-up or let us know on social—our in-house dental experts may have the answers.
