6 Parent Approved Rewards That Motivate Kids To Brush And Floss
Getting your child to brush and floss can feel like a daily fight. You know their smile matters. They just see a boring chore. You do not need bribes or sugar-filled treats. You need rewards that teach good habits and still feel fun. This guide shares 6 simple rewards that real parents use at home. Each one is safe, low cost, and easy to start tonight. You will see how to turn brushing time into a routine your child owns. You will also learn when rewards help and when they backfire. Your dentist in Hesperia, CA wants your child to build strong habits early. You want less stress in the bathroom. These rewards support both. Use them to cut the nagging. Use them to protect your child from painful cavities and long visits in the chair. You can reset the mood around brushing with small daily wins.
Why rewards work for brushing and flossing
Kids respond to clear goals and quick wins. Teeth brushing feels far away from cavities and fillings. A short reward brings the goal closer. That helps your child link brushing with a good outcome they can feel right away.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares that tooth decay is one of the most common chronic problems in children. Regular brushing with fluoride and daily flossing cut that risk. Rewards help keep that routine steady on hard days.
Use rewards to:
- Start new habits during early years
- Keep routines during busy school weeks
- Support kids who feel fear around the sink or the chair
1. Sticker charts that earn real choices
A simple sticker chart still works. The key is what the stickers lead to. Your child should earn real choice, not more stuff.
Try this:
- Give one sticker for brushing in the morning
- Give one sticker for brushing and flossing at night
- Set a goal such as ten stickers in a row
When your child hits the goal, let them choose:
- Tonight’s story
- A game with you
- Music during bath time
Keep the chart low and clear. Use short words and simple pictures. Your child should see progress without help.
2. Special time with you as the main prize
Kids often want your full attention more than toys. Use that truth. Link brushing with a short block of focused time.
Ideas that work for many families:
- Ten-minute card game after a week of steady brushing
- One-on-one walk in the yard or at a park
- Cooking a simple snack together on Saturday
Tell your child what they earned. Say the link out loud. For example. “You brushed and flossed all week. Now we get our special game time.” That builds pride and a clear cause and effect.
3. Brushing playlists and bathroom “DJ” time
Two minutes can feel long. Music helps. Use a short playlist for brushing. Let your child control the play button when they earn it.
Use this simple pattern:
- Pick two songs that total at least two minutes
- Play song one for top teeth and bottom teeth
- Play song two while your child flosses with help
After a week of steady work, let your child choose the songs for the next week. That choice becomes the reward. The routine stays the same.
4. Small toy bin with clear limits
Some kids respond to tiny toys or craft items. Use a small bin, not a store trip. Fill it once. Set clear rules so rewards do not grow over time.
Set up the bin like this:
- Add low-cost items such as stickers, crayons, small puzzles
- Explain that one pick comes after a full week of brushing and flossing
- Do not add candy or snacks
Keep the bin out of reach. Your child sees it but knows brushing comes first. Over time, you can shift from weekly toys to more time-based rewards.
5. Screen time tickets that your child “earns”
Screen time already happens in most homes. Turn it into a tool for health instead of a fight.
Try a ticket system:
- Print simple tickets with “10 minutes” on each
- Give one ticket for each full day of brushing and flossing
- Let your child trade tickets for show time within limits you set
Make the rules clear. No brushing means no ticket. No extra tickets appear. This keeps the link firm and fair.
6. Progress toward a shared goal or outing
Some kids like to work toward a bigger goal. Use a simple jar or chart that fills over time.
For example:
- Add one bead or mark for each day of strong brushing and flossing
- When the jar is full, plan a library trip, hike, or board game night
- Keep the reward active and shared, not a toy that goes on a shelf
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research stresses that daily habits matter more than rare big actions. A shared goal keeps the habit steady across weeks, not just days.
Simple reward ideas at a glance
| Reward type | Best for ages | Cost level | Parent time needed | Risk of backfire
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sticker chart | 3 to 7 | Low | Low | Low if goals stay small |
| Special time with you | 4 to 12 | None | Medium | Low |
| Music and “DJ” time | 4 to 10 | None | Low | Low |
| Small toy bin | 3 to 8 | Medium | Low | Medium if toys grow larger |
| Screen time tickets | 5 to 13 | None | Low | Medium if limits slide |
| Shared goal or outing | 5 to 13 | Low | Medium | Low |
How to keep rewards healthy and fair
Rewards work best when they are clear, small, and steady. They should support brushing, not replace it. Follow the three steps.
- Set one clear rule. For example. “Brush and floss morning and night. Then you earn a sticker.”
- Use small rewards that match the effort. Save large outings for long-term goals.
- Phase out rewards slowly once brushing feels normal. Keep praise and clear routines.
If your child skips brushing, stay calm. Do not add extra rewards. Keep the line firm. Your child learns that their choice has weight. That lesson helps in many parts of life, not just at the sink.
With steady rewards and clear limits, you support strong teeth and calmer nights. Your child gains control over their own care. You gain peace in a place that once held stress.