Kids love using smartphones, tablets, and apps for just about anything. Unfortunately, they don’t always love brushing and flossing their teeth. If you’re looking for a way to help your child clean their teeth more effectively twice a day, there are more resources available than ever. Especially when it comes to helping your child clean each area of their mouth and spend enough time brushing (rather than rushing right through it.)
Disney Magic Timer
Have a Disney lover in your household? This app is compatible with Proctor & Gamble brands like Crest and Oral-B. When you choose a corresponding toothbrush (and we provide these in our office at your child’s dental visit), your child can brush along to a popular Disney movie clip that keeps them engaged for a full two minutes (exactly how long they need to brush!)
Brush DJ
Does your child have a favorite song? The Brush DJ app keeps them brushing long enough, but it also has built-in reminders to update their toothbrush or when to see the dentist.
Toothsavers / Chomper Chums
These toothbrushing interactives allow your child to unlock rewards inside of the app to use for virtual prizes or fun activities. One has a fairytale kingdom (Toothsavers) while the other features “Chomper Chum” characters.
Virtual Toothbrush Apps
Recently, some toothbrush brands have been developing live apps that allow your child to track their live brushing on an app, thanks to a built-in sensor in their toothbrush handle. Be on the lookout to see these products hit stores in the next year or two. Parents can actually keep track of their children’s brushing habits by visualizing the frequency of their brushing and the time they spend while doing it.
A Little Help Goes a Long Way
Whatever helps your child brush two minutes twice a day is worth exploring. Oral hygiene can be an uphill battle for some children, so these fun apps take the stress off of parents.
Remember to schedule a six-month checkup with our oral health providers to get expert advice that goes a long way!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. We have the ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs as we have treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
