Dental Apps that Make Maintaining Good Oral Health Fun for Kids
This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.
Dental apps can help children build strong brushing habits. In general, children are old enough to brush by themselves around age 7, or when they can tie their own shoes, as this indicates they have the manual dexterity for it. If you have a child who has started brushing on their own, you may be looking for ways to make brushing fun or ensure they brush for a full two minutes. Thankfully, technology has stepped in to make oral care fun, interactive, and motivating with dental apps that turn brushing into a game. We’ve compiled a guide of some of these entertaining apps that make brushing a breeze. These apps are also wonderful motivators for younger children who still need parental assistance when brushing. Let’s turn tooth time into playtime!
Why Use Dental Apps?
Brushing for the dentist-recommended two minutes can be tough, especially for little ones. Dental apps help by:
- Encouraging consistent brushing
- Teaching proper technique
- Making oral health fun with games, characters, and rewards
- Tracking brushing habits over time
Game-Based & Character-Driven Apps
- Disney Magic Timer (Oral-B): According to Oral-B, 90% of kids brush longer when using this app. They unlock their favorite characters while they brush, from Disney to Marvel. Brushing challenges lend motivation, and they can earn stickers and other rewards.
- Toothsavers: This free app is designed to help kids brush and floss. Kids have two minutes to save fairytale characters from a sorceress’ evil cavity-causing spell. Play to unlock new characters and even defeat the sorceress herself.
- Chomper Chums: This timer app allows kids to choose a cute brushing buddy whom they earn treats for every time they brush.
- Brusheez: Kids get to customize monster friends who dance with them while brushing.
Educational & Technique-Focused Apps
- Brush Monster: This augmented reality app teaches proper technique and shows kids exactly where and how to brush in real time. There is a parental dashboard that tracks progress and offers rewards to the child. These rewards incentivize good brushing technique.
- Tiny Dentist: This game lets kids pretend to be a dentist. They get to learn about cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Timer & Reminder Apps
- Brush DJ: This timer app plays music from your device for two minutes while also providing visual guidance on where to brush. The app can set reminders to brush, floss, and go to the dentist.
- Brush Teeth With the Wiggles: This timer app lets kids dance along with their Wiggles pals as they brush to catchy songs, and earn rewards.
Fun Extras
- Tooth Fairy Camera: This app allows you to film and photograph the Tooth Fairy as she flies around your home.
- Chompers Podcast: This podcast for kids has jokes, riddles, stories, fun facts, and silly songs.
Bonus Benefits of Using Dental Apps
- Building habits: Reminders and progress tracking make consistency easier
- Learning skills: Guided brushing helps ensure kids brush all areas of the mouth
- Motivation: Games and rewards keep kids coming back
- Goal setting: See progress over time and make improvements
Technology for the Win!
Hopefully, now you have a starting point for some ways to entertain your child while they brush, so that they actually look forward to it. Bringing technology into everyday routines is a great way to boost engagement for kids. These dental apps prove that brushing doesn’t have to be boring- it can be a game, an adventure, or a dance party! These apps will also help your child ensure they brush for two whole minutes, twice a day.
A Pediatric Dental Office That Makes Dental Visits Fun
At CDND, we try to make visiting the dentist as enjoyable as possible with books, prizes, TVs, colorful decor, welcoming staff, and more. We want every child to have a great time at the dentist. If your child needs help with brushing motivation or technique, reach out to us. We can give you tips and tricks to make the process more enjoyable for everyone. Ready to book? Schedule you next appointment here.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my child brush their teeth for?
Kids should be brushing for a full two minutes, twice daily. Floss every day once teeth touch.
When can my child brush on their own?
We recommend brushing for your child until they have the manual dexterity to tie their own shoes.
How do dental apps help my child brush?
Dental apps encourage consistent brushing with proper technique and make it fun.
At what age can my child use an electric toothbrush?
Age three is the minimum age a child can use an electric toothbrush. At this age, you will be brushing for them. Kids can use electric toothbrushes independently once they can tie their own shoes, around age 7.
