Kids don’t always like to do what they’re supposed to do. We’ve all seen it. That’s why many parents try to find creative ways to get their kids to do what’s good for them. You know, like the way we say, “Are you ready to play with your rubber ducky?” instead of telling them it’s time to take a bath.
Here are four dental apps designed to get your kids to practice good oral hygiene. We hope you find success with them.
Chomper Chums
This free app is designed for kids between the ages of 4 and 11. Chomper Chums is produced by the dental insurance company United Concordia which uses entertaining animal cartoon characters to encourage kids to brush daily. It is designed to get them to brush for at least two minutes, which is the amount of time that dentists recommend. Chomper Cums also reminds kids to rinse and floss. The app makes brushing fun by getting kids to chase “sugar bugs” with their toothbrush. It’s an enjoyable and clever way to get kids to thoroughly brush all parts of their mouth.
Toothsavers Brushing Game
Toothsavers Brushing Game is another free app designed to get kids to brush all parts of their mouth for a duration of at least two minutes. It’s full of features that should make brushing a blast for younger kids, including:
- 10 entertaining cartoon characters
- “Stars” awarded for good brushing habits
- 10 different two-minute animations
- An interactive map to chart each time you brush
- Parents can designate brushing times
- Parents can monitor kids’ progress
- Parents can automatically post kids’ progress on Facebook
Good Night Star
Good Night Star is a free app intended to get preschoolers to practice good dental habits. Of course, preschoolers will still require parental assistance when brushing, but this popular app does make it more fun. The app is highly interactive, as kids get to brush the teeth of Sprout, an adorable star-shaped character. Afterwards, they can gently rock Sprout to sleep. The app also contains bedtime stories and entertaining sing-along songs.
Sweet Tooth Day
Sweet Tooth Day is a video game app that teaches young kids about the relationship between eating sugary snacks and getting cavities. In Sweet Tooth Day, users can score points by protecting Mr. Tooth from falling snacks like candy and cupcakes. Mr. Tooth gets 10 points for each healthy food he eats, but he will die if he is hit by three unhealthy snacks which are falling from the sky.
Contact Gentle Dentistry to Make Your Appointment
We hope these dental apps are useful to help you teach your kids about the value of practicing good dental hygiene. Of course, a big part of having a healthy smile is visiting your dentist regularly for a check-up. Why not call the good folks over at Gentle Dentistry in Haworth to make your appointment today?