How to Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids: Tips From a Bothell Kids Dentist

Dr. Manjote Dhaliwal (Dr. Dhali), Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist at Hello Kids Dentistry in Bothell, WA

Getting a young child to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like a bigger challenge than it should be. One night they're excited to pick up their toothbrush, and the next they're running in the opposite direction as soon as brushing time begins.

If this sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone.

As a pediatric dentist, I work with children at many different ages and stages, and one thing I remind parents is that learning to brush is a process. Young children are still developing routines, independence, coordination, and their own very strong opinions!

The good news? Brushing doesn't have to become a nightly battle.

With consistency, a little creativity, and plenty of encouragement, parents can help make brushing teeth more enjoyable while still making sure those little teeth are being cleaned properly.

Here are some of my favorite tips for making brushing fun for kids—and building healthy habits that can grow right along with their smiles.

Why Is Brushing So Important for Kids?

Baby teeth may eventually fall out, but they have an important job to do.

Healthy primary teeth help children chew, speak, smile, and maintain space for the permanent teeth developing underneath them. Tooth decay can also begin as soon as a child's first tooth appears, which is why establishing good oral hygiene habits early is so important.

Children should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, including before bedtime. For most children, brushing should last about two minutes.

Parents and caregivers also play an important role. Young children generally don't yet have the dexterity or attention needed to thoroughly clean every surface of every tooth by themselves. Letting your child practice is wonderful, but an adult should still help make sure the job gets done.

A Quick Brushing Guide for Parents

• First tooth to age 3: Use a soft, child-sized toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.

• Ages 3–6: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

• Brush twice each day: Morning and bedtime are easy times to build into a predictable routine.

• Aim for two minutes: Songs, timers and games can make those two minutes much easier.

• Help your child brush: Allow children to practice, but continue assisting and supervising while they're developing the skills to brush thoroughly.

• Keep it gentle: Brushing shouldn't hurt. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle movements around the teeth and gumline.

Once you've established the basics, you can concentrate on making those two minutes something your child doesn't dread.

Why Does My Child Fight Brushing Their Teeth?

There isn't one reason children resist brushing.

For toddlers, saying "no" can simply be part of developing independence. Other children dislike the sensation of a toothbrush or toothpaste in their mouth. Some don't want to stop playing to complete another bedtime task. Others may simply be tired.

That's why a strategy that works wonderfully for one child may not work for another.

Instead of focusing exclusively on getting your child to "cooperate," try finding ways to give them choices, predictability and positive associations with brushing.

How to Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Kids

1. Let Your Child Choose Their Toothbrush

One of the simplest ways to make brushing teeth fun for kids is to give them some ownership over the process.

The next time you need a toothbrush, let your child help choose an age-appropriate, soft-bristled one. A favorite color, animal or character can make a surprisingly big difference when it's time to brush.

You can offer controlled choices, too:

"Would you like the dinosaur toothbrush or the blue toothbrush tonight?"

They still need to brush—but they get to make a decision about how they're going to do it.

Parents can try:

• Letting children choose between two appropriate toothbrushes.

• Picking out a special brushing cup.

• Creating a little basket for their dental supplies.

• Letting them choose which parent helps with brushing.

• Allowing them to brush first before a parent takes a turn.

A small amount of independence can go a long way with little ones.

2. Turn Two Minutes of Brushing Into a Game

Two minutes can feel surprisingly long to a young child.

Instead of repeatedly reminding them how much longer they need to brush, turn those two minutes into playtime.

Brushing Games to Try

Beat the Timer: Set a two-minute timer and see whether you can clean all the "sugar bugs" before it rings.

Mirror Me: Brush together and have your child copy what you're doing.

Tooth Inspector: After your child finishes, become the official tooth inspector and look for any spots that need a parent's finishing touch.

Brush Buddy: Let your child pretend to brush a favorite stuffed animal's teeth before it's their turn.

Sticker Challenge: Add a sticker to a brushing chart after morning and evening brushing.

The goal isn't perfection. You're helping your child associate oral hygiene with something familiar, encouraging and even a little silly.

3. Add Music to Brushing Time

Have a child who loves music?

Use it.

Choose a two-minute song, create a special brushing playlist, or use a brushing timer that plays music. Your child will have a clear signal for when brushing begins and ends without you repeatedly saying, "Keep brushing!"

You can even make up your own ridiculous family brushing song. It doesn't need to be good. In fact, your child may enjoy it even more if it isn't.

For younger children, singing also provides distraction while a parent does the actual brushing.

4. Make Your Child the Hero of a Brushing Story

For children with big imaginations, storytelling can transform an ordinary toothbrush into just about anything.

Maybe tonight your child is a superhero chasing sugar bugs.

Tomorrow they're an astronaut cleaning moon dust from every tooth before their rocket launches.

Another night, their toothbrush becomes a magic wand that makes every tooth sparkle.

Easy Brushing Stories

• Superhero Mission: Defeat the sugar bugs before bedtime.

• Pirate Adventure: Search for sparkling tooth treasure.

• Space Mission: Clean every tooth before blastoff.

• Royal Smile: Protect the Tooth Kingdom from plaque.

• Animal Dentist: Show a stuffed animal how healthy teeth are brushed.

Let your child help create the story. When kids contribute ideas, brushing becomes something they're participating in rather than something that's simply being done to them.

5. Try a Brushing Song, Timer or App

Technology can also help children understand how long they need to brush.

A visual timer, favorite two-minute song or child-friendly brushing app can keep children engaged while giving brushing a clear beginning and ending.

Parents don't necessarily need a special app, either. A simple timer works perfectly well.

The important part is that the entertainment doesn't replace effective brushing. If your child becomes so distracted that the toothbrush stops moving, it's time for Mom or Dad to lend a hand.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Children respond to encouragement.

Instead of making every brushing session about what they missed, recognize what they did well.

Try:

• "You did such a good job opening wide!"

• "I love how you remembered your back teeth."

• "Look how sparkly those teeth are!"

• A high-five or fist bump.

• Adding a sticker to a brushing calendar.

• A quick celebration dance when you're finished.

Praise the behavior and effort, not just the outcome. That helps children understand exactly what they're learning to do well.

You don't need a big prize every time. Often, attention and enthusiastic encouragement are enough.

7. What If My Child Refuses to Brush Their Teeth?

Some nights, no song, superhero story or sticker is going to work.

That's okay.

Brushing still needs to happen, but parents can remain calm and consistent. Avoid turning it into a lengthy negotiation. Offer simple choices and keep the routine predictable.

For example:

"It's time to brush. Would you like to sit on my lap or stand at the sink?"

Both choices lead to brushing.

For children who need additional distraction, you might:

• Let them hold a favorite stuffed animal.

• Sing while you brush.

• Tell a short story.

• Let them look in the mirror.

• Count their teeth together.

• Let them choose which section of their mouth you brush first.

If brushing resistance is intense or persistent, talk with your pediatric dentist. Sometimes discomfort, tooth sensitivity, sensory preferences or another issue can be contributing to the struggle.

8. Brush Together as a Family

Children learn an enormous amount simply by watching us.

If possible, let your child see you brush your own teeth. You can brush together in front of the mirror and show them how you clean the front, back and chewing surfaces.

Family brushing also sends an important message:

Taking care of our teeth is simply something we do every day.

It's not a punishment, and it's not something reserved for children.

9. Build Brushing Into a Predictable Routine

Consistency is one of the most effective tools parents have.

Rather than brushing at a different time every night, connect it to things your child already expects.

For example:

Bath → Pajamas → Brush Teeth → Story → Bed

After a while, brushing isn't a surprise interrupting bedtime. It's simply the next step.

The same principle works in the morning:

Breakfast → Get Dressed → Brush Teeth → Shoes → Go

You can still use games, songs and choices, but keeping the overall sequence consistent helps children know what's coming next.

How Can Parents Help Kids Brush Properly?

Making brushing fun is only half of the equation. We also want those teeth to actually get clean.

Let younger children have a turn with the toothbrush, but parents should follow up and help clean areas they may have missed.

Pay particular attention to:

• The back molars.

• The chewing surfaces of teeth.

• Along the gumline.

• The inside surfaces of the teeth.

• Areas where teeth touch closely together.

Keep movements gentle and make sure you're reaching every part of the mouth.

As children get older, they can gradually take on more responsibility. But independence doesn't have to happen overnight. Your pediatric dentist can help you determine whether your child is brushing effectively on their own.

How Can I Make Brushing Fun for a Toddler?

With toddlers, simpler is usually better.

Long explanations about cavities aren't likely to motivate a two-year-old. Instead, concentrate on routine, repetition and play.

Try giving your toddler two toothbrush choices, singing the same brushing song every night, letting them brush a stuffed animal's teeth first, or counting their teeth as you clean them.

And remember: you don't need to make every brushing session magical.

Some days, success simply means the teeth got brushed.

That's a win, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing Kids' Teeth

How often should kids brush their teeth?

Children should generally brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, including before bedtime. Establishing this routine from the time the first tooth appears helps make brushing a normal part of everyday life.

How long should kids brush their teeth?

Aim for approximately two minutes. A timer, song or brushing app can help young children understand how long two minutes lasts.

How much toothpaste should my child use?

For children younger than 3, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste approximately the size of a grain of rice. For children ages 3–6, use a pea-sized amount. Parents should supervise young children to help ensure the appropriate amount is used.

Should parents brush their children's teeth?

Yes. Young children need adult assistance because they are still developing the coordination necessary to clean every tooth thoroughly. Letting children practice is encouraged, but parents should continue to supervise and help until they're able to brush effectively on their own.

What should I do if my toddler won't let me brush their teeth?

Stay calm, maintain a consistent routine and offer limited choices rather than asking whether they want to brush. Songs, stories, toys, mirrors and brushing together can help. If your child consistently experiences significant difficulty or appears uncomfortable when brushing, speak with your pediatric dentist.

When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by a child's first birthday. Early visits give families an opportunity to discuss brushing, fluoride, nutrition, oral development and other questions before problems arise.

Advice From a Kids Dentist in Bothell, WA

One of the most important things I want parents to remember is that healthy dental habits don't develop in a single day.

Your child is learning.

There may be nights when they happily brush for two minutes and nights when getting a toothbrush near their mouth feels like an Olympic event. What matters is maintaining the routine, helping them brush effectively, and continuing to create positive experiences around caring for their teeth.

At Hello Kids Dentistry, our philosophy is centered on helping children develop a healthy relationship with dental care from their earliest years. We want children to understand that taking care of their smile can be comfortable, positive and even fun.

And parents don't have to figure everything out by themselves.

If brushing has become difficult in your home, bring it up at your child's next visit. We can talk about what's happening, demonstrate brushing techniques, and recommend strategies based on your child's age, oral health and individual needs.

More Help for Your Child's Growing Smile

Want more practical advice?

Read our How to Brush Baby Teeth: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents for step-by-step guidance on caring for those first little teeth.

Parents choosing toothpaste can also read our Best Toothpaste for Toddlers guide for additional information.

Looking for a Kids Dentist in Bothell, Washington?

Hello Kids Dentistry provides pediatric dental care for infants, children and young adults in a warm, caring and child-friendly environment.

Led by Dr. Manjote Dhaliwal (Dr. Dhali), a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, our team is proud to care for families from Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Kirkland and surrounding Washington communities.

Whether your little one is getting their very first tooth, learning how to brush, or becoming more independent with their oral hygiene, we're here to help make dental care a positive part of growing up.

Have questions about your child's brushing routine?

Call 425-659-1200 to schedule an appointment with Hello Kids Dentistry in Bothell.

You can also connect with Hello Kids Dentistry on Facebook and Instagram. Need a more comprehensive brushing technique guide or toothpaste ideas? Check out our guide "How to Brush Baby Teeth: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents" and "Best Toothpaste for Toddlers in 2024."

We look forward to helping your little one build a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.