Opinion: The Tooth Fairy’s secrets to making brushing & flossing magical

Delta Dental of Washington's Tooth Fairy Experience offers free resources to help children build lifelong brushing and flossing habits. — Delta Dental of Washington’s Tooth Fairy Experience offers free resources to help children build lifelong brushing and flossing habits. Photo courtesy Delta Dental of Washington

🎧 The Tooth Fairy’s Guide to Kids’ Oral Health Habits

A little imagination can help children build habits that last a lifetime

Dr. Ronald Hsu
for Clark County Today

For parents who struggle with their kids and instilling a nightly toothbrushing routine, might we suggest enlisting the help of the Tooth Fairy. And with National Tooth Fairy Day on August 22nd, this could be good timing.

According to the Tooth Fairies at Delta Dental of Washington’s Tooth Fairy Experience™, a little imagination can help children build habits that last a lifetime.

Here are a few Tooth Fairy-approved ideas to make every brushing routine magical.

Turn the Bathroom into a Dance Party

Brush to your child’s favorite two-minute song and throw an impromptu dance party. Singing, dancing, and giggling help the two minutes fly by while making brushing something children look forward to.

Let Kids Choose Their Magic Tools

Whether it’s a toothbrush featuring their favorite character or a fun-flavored fluoride toothpaste, giving children choices helps them feel excited and involved in caring for their smile.

Hunt for “Sugar Bugs”

Tell your child that tiny sugar bugs love to have parties on their teeth at nighttime. Their toothbrush is the magic wand that sends those bugs packing before bedtime.

Celebrate Smile Superstars

Download a free brushing and flossing chart from the Tooth Fairy Experience website and reward consistency with stickers, an extra bedtime story, or a special family activity. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s building healthy habits one day at a time.

Become a Tooth Fairy Helper

Take turns pretending to be the Tooth Fairy’s assistant. Parents can inspect for “sparkling fairy-approved smiles,” while kids can check to make sure Mom or Dad remembered to brush, too.

Make Flossing Part of the Adventure

Kid-friendly floss picks can make flossing easier and more fun. Pretend you’re rescuing tiny pieces of food hiding between teeth before the Sugar Bugs can find them.

Every Smile Has a Little Magic

The Tooth Fairy Experience™, presented by Delta Dental of Washington, helps children discover that taking care of their teeth can be exciting, interactive, and fun. Through free classroom presentations, storybooks, activities, and family resources, the program teaches young children the importance of brushing, flossing, healthy eating, and regular dental visits—all while inspiring confidence and lifelong healthy habits.

The Tooth Fairy’s Daily Smile Checklist

Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste for two minutes.

Floss every day once teeth begin touching.

Drink plenty of tap water and choose smile-friendly snacks.

Visit the dentist every six months.

Smile often—healthy smiles are contagious!

Why Oral Health Matters

Children who experience tooth decay are more likely to miss school, have lower academic success, and face an increased risk for lifelong dental problems. Over time, poor oral health can increase systemic inflammation, which may limit growth and development and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

The Tooth Fairy Experience was developed by Delta Dental of Washington in partnership with Arcora Foundation, the School Nurse Organization of Washington, and the Washington State Dental Association, and is endorsed by the Washington Homeschool Organization. All materials have been reviewed by dentists, school nurses, and children.

For more information about oral health, visit the Delta Dental of Washington Knowledge Center. Families can also find free downloadable activities, at-home learning materials, and helpful resources for parents through The Tooth Fairy Experience™.

Dr. Ronald Hsu is a Delta Dental of Washington member dentist and a pediatric dentist at Storybook Dental in Camas, Washington.