What Should I Do If My Teenager Doesn’t Want to Brush Their Teeth?

Ah, teenagers—the masters of eye rolls, dramatic sighs, and epic battles over just about anything. If you’ve ever found yourself begging, bribing, or negotiating with your teen to pick up a toothbrush, you’re not alone! At Fortune Dental, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help turn the tide in this daily toothy tug-of-war.

Why Do Teens Resist Brushing?

Let’s face it, teens have a lot on their plate—school, social media, sports, and, well, endless scrolling. Oral hygiene may not rank high on their priority list. Some teens resist brushing because:

• It feels like a chore: Anything “mandatory” is often met with resistance.
• They don’t see the urgency: They may not yet feel the consequences of poor oral health.
• They’re overwhelmed: Busy schedules can push self-care to the back burner.

But don’t worry! There’s hope even for the most rebellious teen.

Fun Ways to Get Your Teen Brushing

1. Make It Techy: Teens love gadgets. Try a smart toothbrush that tracks their brushing habits and rewards them with fun stats or challenges. It’s like Fitbit for teeth—who wouldn’t want that?
2. Friendly Competition: Challenge your teen to a family brushing contest. Who can go the longest without missing a day? Winner gets bragging rights (and maybe their choice of takeout).
3. Appeal to Their Vanity: Let’s be real teens care about their looks. A little reminder about how a bright smile can boost their confidence might do the trick.
4. Set an Example: Teens might roll their eyes at lectures, but they notice actions. Brush and floss alongside them. It shows that oral care is a family priority.
5. Connect Consequences: Without being too scary, explain that neglecting their teeth can lead to cavities, bad breath, and other less-than-glamorous issues.

When to Call in the Pros

Sometimes, it takes a little extra encouragement from someone other than mom or dad to make an impact. That’s where we come in! At Fortune Dental, we’re experts at turning reluctant brushers into oral hygiene champions. From cool, teen-friendly tips to customized care, we’ve got your back.

Schedule an appointment with us today, and let’s team up to keep your teen’s smile healthy, bright, and completely selfie-ready.

After all, the goal isn’t just clean teeth—it’s building lifelong habits that keep their smile shining for years to come.

At Fortune Dental, we are reasons to smile! Let’s tackle the teen brushing blues together. Call us today and make oral health a family affair!