Games to Increase the Fun of Oral Hygiene

Posted on 12/1/2025 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

Let's face it, keeping up with brushing and flossing can sometimes feel like a chore, especially for kids. But taking care of your teeth and gums doesn't have to be a drag! We can make oral care more enjoyable with some fun games and activities. Good oral hygiene habits set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles, and starting early makes a big difference.

Tooth Brushing Time Trials

Turn toothbrushing into a race against the clock! Play a song that's about two minutes long. Challenge your child to brush their teeth until the song is over. They can even get creative with dance moves while they brush! For older kids, you can use a timer and see if they can beat their best time. This helps ensure they're brushing for the dentist-recommended two minutes, which is key for removing plaque and preventing cavities.

The Plaque Attacker Game

This game involves using disclosing tablets, which temporarily stain plaque on your teeth. After brushing, let your child chew a tablet. The tablet will highlight areas where plaque remains. Then, challenge them to brush away all the colored spots. It's a fun way to visualize plaque and improve brushing technique. Just make sure to supervise younger children and remind them to rinse thoroughly after.

Floss Fishing

Make flossing more exciting with a little imagination. Tell your child they're "fishing" for food particles between their teeth. They can pretend their floss is a fishing line, and each piece of food they remove is a "catch." You can even create a small "ocean" backdrop with blue paper to enhance the experience. This adds a playful element to flossing and makes it less intimidating.

Sugar Bug Hunt

Before brushing, hide small, sugar-free candies or toys around the bathroom. Tell your child that these are "sugar bugs" attacking their teeth. Their mission is to find all the "sugar bugs" and brush them away. This game reinforces the importance of removing sugar from teeth and makes brushing a fun adventure.

Storytelling While Brushing

Create a fun story together while brushing. One person starts the story, and the other person adds to it while brushing. The story can be about anything – a superhero saving the world, a princess on a quest, or even a funny animal adventure. This distracts from the task of brushing and makes the time fly by.

Why All This Matters

Remember, establishing good oral hygiene habits early is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease. It can also reduce the need for future restoration dentistry. By making oral care fun, you're helping your child develop a positive attitude towards dental health that will last a lifetime.

Keep it Consistent

The most important thing is to make these games a regular part of your oral care routine. Consistency is key to developing healthy habits. So, try out these games and see which ones work best for your family. With a little creativity, you can transform brushing and flossing from a chore into a fun and rewarding experience!

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