How to Encourage Your Kids to Brush All Summer Long

Summer hits, routines shift, and suddenly that solid brushing schedule you had during the school year starts to unravel. Later bedtimes, family trips, and popsicles at odd hours don’t help either. At Petite Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Oak Park, IL, Dr. Gabriel Murphy knows that keeping kids on track with brushing during summer break can take a little creativity—and a lot of patience.

But don’t worry, making oral care part of summer fun is totally doable. Here’s how to keep your child’s smile strong and cavity free through the sunny season.

1. Keep the Routine—Even Without the School Bell

Just because there’s no bus to catch doesn’t mean brushing gets a pass. Try to keep morning and evening routines consistent. Even if breakfast happens later or bedtime creeps past 9, brushing should stay part of the plan.

Setting a visual schedule or brushing at the same time each day (like right before storytime) can help kids build a rhythm, even in the most relaxed months.

2. Use Visuals and Rewards

Simple charts go a long way. You can make one at home or download a colorful printable. Each time they brush, let them mark it with a sticker or stamp. A full week of brushing might earn a small reward—like choosing the family’s weekend breakfast or getting an extra bedtime story.

These aren’t bribes—they’re gentle motivators. The goal is to help kids see brushing as a part of growing up and taking care of themselves.

3. Link Brushing to Something Fun

It might sound backward, but brushing can be tied to something fun. For example, after brushing at night, your child might get to choose the bedtime book or pick the music for their wind-down routine. This technique—called habit stacking—pairs a must-do task with something enjoyable, making it easier to stick with long term. This builds brushing into something positive, not just another box to check.

Pediatric Dental Support All Summer Long in Oak Park at Petite Smiles

At Petite Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Oak Park, IL, Dr. Gabriel Murphy and his team want to make oral health easier for kids and families. Summer may bring new routines, but strong brushing habits shouldn’t take a vacation.

Summer is also a great time to sneak in a checkup—especially before school and sports start again. Want help getting your child’s brushing back on track? Or just need to schedule their next visit? Give our Oak Park office a call—we’re happy to help keep their smile summer-ready.

Contact Us

Categorised in: Oral Hygiene