8 Ways To Get Your Kids Actually Excited About Brushing Their Teeth

Let's be real: How often has afternoon come around before you've realized your kids still have not brushed their teeth? The past few months have probably thrown your regular routines for a loop — time to ditch the "Quaranteeth" and make brushing fun with Crest.

1. Let them own their flavor...

If there is one thing kids love, it's having options, and if there is one thing they don't love, it is having to taste something they're not into! Being able to choose their own fun and yummy toothpaste flavor like Kid's Crest Cavity Protection Sparkle Fun Toothpaste might just be the first step to brushing success.

2. ...and maybe a colorful toothbrush collection, too.

Crest

Monday could be orange, Tuesday could be pink, Saturday could be *pick any color!* You get the picture. ;)

3. Incorporate something they love.

Having your little one's favorite stuffed animal present during brushing (or letting them pretend to brush said stuffed animal's teeth) might be enough to keep them happy, but you may also need to get a little more creative! Fiona Mattrasingh, a self-initiated dental hygienist, clinical instructor, and Crest partner suggests "using their current favorite song during brushing and flossing." You could even tweak the lyrics slightly to include brushing or craft a story about how their favorite storybook or TV character loves brushing so they are excited to brush, too.

4. Reward their results.

Kids want to feel accomplished and proud of everything they do! Have a weekly toothbrushing report card where they get grades, or a chart where they can rack up gold stars, and hang photos of them at successful dental visits on the fridge. (We'll leave the *prize* for getting straight A's or praise from the dentist up to you!) Also, follow @Crest on Instagram for a fun Quaranteeth coloring activity that kids can use to keep track of their brushing accomplishments for the week.

5. Help them take responsibility.

If they know it's up to them to remember to brush morning and night, they will feel responsible and proud! (Probably a good idea to set recurring backup alarms in case both of you forget, though.) Let them squeeze on their own toothpaste (messes can be cleaned up!), fill up a cup to rinse and when brushing, time themselves for two minutes. A good old hourglass timer is always fun and satisfying to watch, or there are toothbrushes that also have their own magic timer!

6. Set a positive example.

Make brushing a family activity and show your kids the enthusiasm you put into taking care of your own teeth. Believe it or not, they look up to you and will want to follow suit!

7. Try not to group brushing with other chores.

No one likes a string of chores. Instead, work toothbrushing in before something enjoyable, like morning TV time or reading books before bed, so your child knows they have something to look forward to afterward and will keep up a positive association.

8. And finally...bring on the silly selfies!

Selfies make everything better. Period.

All images via Getty unless otherwise specified.

Parenting takes skill. Healthy oral habits take Crest. Have a blast brushing with the #1 toothpaste brand in America for over 15 years.