February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and at Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO), we’re highlighting the importance of strong brushing habits, especially children in braces or Invisalign® treatment.
For children undergoing orthodontic care, brushing isn’t just routine, it’s essential. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent tooth decay, reduce gum inflammation, and keep treatment on schedule.
For many families; however, brushing can feel like a struggle. The good news? With a few creative adjustments, brushing can shift from a battle to a routine your child looks forward to.
Here are five friendly ways to make tooth brushing fun:
Children thrive on visual progress. A brushing chart allows children to track their brushing habits daily and see their consistency build over time. That simple visual reinforcement can be incredibly motivating, especially for younger patients. At GSO, we’re providing GSO Tooth Brushing Calendars in both clinics to help our patients stay on track throughout treatment.
Two minutes can feel like a long time for a child, but a timer turns it into a simple challenge. Whether you use a sand timer, digital timer, or electric toothbrush with a built-in timer, it ensures your child brushes for the full recommended time. At GSO, we include brushing timers in our younger patients’ kits to make it easier for families to build consistent at-home routines.
Children learn best by example. Brushing alongside your child reinforces proper technique and shows that oral hygiene is a shared priority, not just a task they’re being told to complete. Parents can also gently guide brushing around brackets, wires, and hard-to-reach areas during orthodontic treatment.
Turn brushing into a mini dance party. Play a favorite two-minute song and challenge your child to brush until the music stops. It keeps them engaged and transforms brushing like a fun, upbeat activity. Many electric toothbrushes also include vibration timers to help pace brushing evenly around the mouth.
Positive reinforcement works. Small incentives like choosing a movie, earning stickers, or receiving a small reward for consistent brushing, can go a long way in building lasting habits. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency.
Call GSO today at 770-351-7727 to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation and find out whether your child may benefit from braces or Invisalign®. Our goal is to partner with you and your child every step of the way, because great orthodontic results begin with great habits.
