We live in a digital world – it’s recently been called ‘the age of the screen.’ A staggering 80% of U.S. households with children own tablets, and 75% of kids under 8 have access to some sort of ‘smart’ device. While most kids use their phones for social media or playing games, they can also use them for education. Let’s explore some apps that make oral health fun!

 

1. Brush DJ

Is it hard to get your child excited about brushing? Do they burn out before the full, recommended two minutes? Brush DJ can help! This toothbrush timer app plays two minutes of music from your devices, cloud, or streaming service, making brushing fun and ensuring kids last the whole time.  

There are also helpful ‘how-to’ videos and options to set reminders, like when to change your toothbrush head or visit your dentist next.  

Promising review:

“I use this app for my 5-year-old daughter, who loves music. Before introducing her to this app, it was always a battle to get her to brush her teeth. She was impatient with the process. Now, she can’t wait to brush her teeth. I love this app. It has made brushing her teeth fun rather than a chore!”

 

2. Disney Magic Timer

This app, created by Oral-B, claims to make 90% of kids brush longer. Kids can brush with their favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters and unlock special prizes based on how much they brush. The app also includes challenges that teach them about healthy habits, a brushing calendar, and a parent portal that tracks their progress and gives tips to improve their routine.

Promising review:

“We like it a lot! He likes to see the new stickers he gets for brushing for 2 minutes. And it's cool he can look at the calendar and see how much he has brushed! He really enjoys the new stickers! He is still not tired of this. Been using this app for over a year now. It is a great way to keep him brushing longer!”

 

3. Chomper Chums

This app was designed for children between 4 and 11 years old. Kids can pick a buddy – a lion, horse, or alligator – who teaches them how to brush properly. When they brush correctly, kids can earn coins to purchase in-app food items to care for their buddy. The food items they pick also affect their buddy’s health, helping teach kids about healthy eating choices, too.

Promising review:

“I never write reviews, but I was so impressed by this simple app. It clearly was made with the health of your child in mind. They have come up with a way to encourage healthy hygiene and eating habits. I like how it shows where to brush and floss. It’s also really neat how you earn coins and points for brushing, flossing, and rinsing, and then you can use those coins you have earned to buy your character food and drink. So, the child is being rewarded for good oral hygiene habits as well as good eating habits in this truly exceptional, yet simplistic tooth brushing app.”

 

4. Toothsavers Brushing Game

Tooth savers encourages kids to brush by saving others’ teeth first. The story-based game has an evil sorceress who curses the kingdom, leaving everyone’s mouths to rot and be overrun by cavities. Kids have two minutes to brush and scrub away the spell. Every few days kids brush, they unlock a new Toothsaver to brush with.

Promising review:

“This app has made a huge difference. My kids are excited to brush, follow the directions, and brush for two whole minutes. Unlocking new characters really motivates them. They also like the other games you can play with the characters.”

 

5. Brusheez – The Little Monsters Toothbrush Timer

Brusheez is perfect for kids who are starting to lose their baby teeth. They can customize their own monster to ‘lose’ teeth so the monster’s smile matches their own. Then, the monster will brush with them, spending time on each tooth! Kids can also enjoy changing the color of their monster’s hair, clothes, and toothbrush.

Promising review:

“My daughter adores her little monster and bobs her head to the song as she brushes. My husband and I often find ourselves singing the song in our heads as we brush, too. This app is a wonderful tool in the battle to get your child to brush their teeth!”

 

Visiting Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates

Regular trips to the dentist are the best way to take care of your child’s oral health. At Just Kids, pediatric exams are conducted in a safe, comfortable, and relaxed environment. We always use kid-friendly language to help ease any fear or anxiety your children might feel. By bringing your little one in for regular check-ups, you’re helping them build habits that can last a lifetime!

Schedule an appointment today.

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