Small Brush, Big Impact: The Power of Dad in Kids’ Oral Care

When it comes to building lifelong healthy habits, few things are more foundational (or more often overlooked) than oral care. It’s not always glamorous, but those two minutes at the sink every morning and night developing a toothbrushing routine for your kids can shape more than just clean teeth. They teach your little ones the importance of consistency and care.

It is important to celebrate the everyday impact of parents who show up in these small but meaningful routines. While oral health doesn’t always get the spotlight in parenting guides or daily conversations, the truth is clear: the way families approach brushing and flossing can set the tone for years to come.

Historically, conversations about caregiving and daily health routines have centered around moms, but research shows that kids benefit greatly when both parents are involved. So, we think it is important to recognize the influence our dads and father figures have to uniquely shape daily routines, why ongoing education is key, and how brushing together can become a bonding ritual.

We’ll also introduce you to Davids’ kids+adults toothpaste, featuring safe, gentle, and mouthwatering formulas designed to make brushing something your little ones actually look forward to.

Because a healthy smile doesn’t start in the dentist’s chair. It starts at home, with you!

the research has spoken: parents set the tone

You don’t have to take our word for it; research consistently confirms parents play a defining role in shaping their little ones’ oral care habits. A review published in the Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry:

“The influence of parental oral health behaviors on their children's oral health is profound and multi-dimensional. Parents serve as role models, educators, and facilitators of healthy oral habits during a child's developmental years.”

In other words, it’s not as simple as reminding your little ones to brush. It’s about how you show up and participate in the habits and learning! When you’re actively involved in their daily oral care routines (and show you’re committed to your own oral health), kiddos are more likely to follow in your footsteps. This modeling can inspire a sense of normalcy, importance, and (dare we say) enjoyment around this daily routine. It can show them that brushing their teeth is a shared family value, not just a chore.

The same review goes on to spotlight how oral health is intertwined with overall health. Poor oral hygiene and health in childhood can increase the risk of overall health conditions later in life. By helping your little ones build strong routines early on, you can lay the foundation for healthy teeth and long-term wellness.

Because children’s bodies are growing and developing, they can be more vulnerable to oral health issues like early cavities, plaque, and gum inflammation. That’s why parental involvement is especially important in these early, critical years. Sure, you want to feel like their teeth are clean, but you also want to help them build habits that stick. So the next time you go to brush with your little one (even if you or they are dreading it), remind yourself that showing up matters, no matter how “small” it may feel in the moment.

spotlight on Dad’s unique influence in daily routines

While it’s hard to truly quantify the importance of dads’ role in daily routines, this interview-style study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh confirms that when dads are intentionally involved in the oral care routine, it can have positive impacts on the child’s dental hygiene and diet.

Seeing dad participate in the daily family oral care routine (more on that below) can normalize and reinforce these habits. It also helps send a strong message that oral health (and other healthy habits) are shared family values, not just something mom “makes us” do. Maybe you can infuse a little flavor and excitement for your little ones by:

telling a silly tooth fairy story while you’re brushing together
creating a fun brushing challenge to appeal to that competitive edge
telling a story about how you overcame your fear of the dentist
explaining why you decided to stick with flossing, even if it’s not super “fun”
bringing structure into the routine by tying oral care into your nightly bedtime
rituals or morning checklists

These things can generate excitement, positivity, and comfort around this essential self-care routine.

the oral care gender gap

Kids tend to mimic what they see, and like it or not, they are always watching! Unfortunately, men tend to have worse overall oral care than women. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this study found that men tend to:

visit the dentist less often
have more cavities
floss less regularly
have a worse overall perception of tooth and gum health

The worst part is that a lot of these poor brushing, flossing, and oral care habits are learned, and there is a correlation between parental and child dental plaque levels. It is well known that our sons in particular tend to mimic and mirror their dads, so the persistent gap in oral care between men and women likely starts from childhood and carries on throughout your adult life. In fact, fathers tend to have a higher amount of plaque and poorer brushing habits on average.

stay in the know, parents

Now that we’ve covered how important parental involvement is, let’s talk about knowledge, education, and awareness. Many scientific reviews and evaluations have shown that modeling behavior isn’t always enough, and that continuous education is super important when it comes to long-term oral and overall health. This 2025 Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Parental Oral Health Education states:

“Regularly scheduled educational sessions would reinforce healthy practices and address evolving oral health challenges as children develop. Professionally administered, continuous interventions are vital in preventing early oral health issues, ultimately fostering improved long-term health outcomes for future generations.”

By staying informed, you can lead your little ones with confidence, making oral care a shared and valued routine. Your willingness to continue learning about the benefits and best practices of oral care can also demonstrate curiosity and commitment, two things that go a long way in the eyes of your kiddos!

the power of doing things together

We like to think of family oral care as more than just a habit; it’s an opportunity to bond! Not to mention, kids mimic what they see (you know the saying: monkey see, monkey do). When they see you brushing and flossing every morning and night with them, it reinforces the idea that oral care is a normal and important part of the day.

There’s also a deeper emotional layer to brushing together. Shared routines give kids a sense of structure, connection, and presence, especially in a modern world that’s full of screens and fast-paced situations. Psychologists agree that these micro-moments of togetherness, mindfulness, and encouragement can help build long-term trust and emotional resilience. Predictability is especially important for young kiddos; knowing that brushing happens at the same time each day, with a parent by their side, can actually reduce anxiety and support healthier sleep and mood patterns.

Your daily oral care routine isn’t just about fun kids toothpaste or a light-up toothbrush; it’s about feeling safe, seen, and supported. And for parents, brushing together can become a surprisingly deep way to connect. With little conversation or “production” needed, the time you spend side-by-side, smiling in the mirror (bubbles, messes, and all) can speak volumes to your little ones… and add a layer of accountability. You can make your family brushing routine more entertaining by:

turning on a catchy two-minute brushing song or video
using a timer shaped like a dinosaur or a flower
letting your little one “brush” their favorite stuffie’s teeth before their own
challenging each other to see who can make the most bubbles
making silly faces in the mirror
creating a rewards chart or calendar (if you’re into rewards)
trying a fun, new kids toothpaste flavor from Davids

No matter what you choose, these little moments help associate fun emotions (and a little bit of ownership) with this daily routine, turning it into a ritual they’ll stick to. You can also help to make the habit “stick” by creating consistency. Research supports that setting consistent brushing times (right before breakfast and right before bed) can help the habit become second nature.

Some nights and mornings might feel chaotic, but what matters is that you keep the habit part of your family’s rhythm. Even if you miss a session every once in a while, what matters is that you send a consistent message: caring for your teeth and body is a shared family value (one that we’re proud to honor here at Davids).

model great habits and attitudes

We covered that modeling great behavior is crucial for raising confident brushers, but what does that behavior actually look like? Here are some important habits to maintain while your kids are young and curious.

brush every morning and night with Davids: our formulas aren’t like the rest! With gentle, naturally derived ingredients and no artificial dyes or preservatives, our toothpaste makes it easy for you and your little ones to feel good about brushing every single day.
floss at least once a day: it’s important to start the flossing habit early, even if you’re doing it for them at first. It helps prevent gum issues and teaches them that oral care is more than just brushing. Try Davids Hydroxi™ expanding floss for a great clean with nano hydroxyapatite to remineralize between teeth.
drink plenty of water: water helps rinse away food particles, neutralize acids, and stabilize your mouth’s pH. Encourage water over sugary drinks, especially between meals.
eat mouth-friendly foods: crunchy, fibrous fruits and veggies like apples and carrots help scrub teeth naturally, while calcium-rich foods like yogurts and cheese promote strong teeth and bones.
emphasize the importance of sustainable products: caring for your teeth and body doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet! Choose oral care items that are better for all, like our bamboo toothbrush, refillable floss, and aluminum-tube toothpaste.
visit the dentist every 6 months: make it a positive experience by talking about what to expect and framing it as a fun act of self-care, not something to fear. Starting them young will create more normalcy around the dentist, instead of apprehension.
replace your toothbrush every 3 months: get your little ones used to swapping out their brush every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. We recommend a soft bristled, BPA free, bamboo toothbrush.

These simple habits may seem small, but they lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles and confident routines. What’s better than that?

get them a kids toothpaste they’ll actually look forward to

Let's face it, even with all this advice, it’s not always easy to get your kiddos excited about brushing their teeth. But we strongly believe that the right toothpaste and innovative oral care products can make all the difference! That’s why we created Davids kids toothpaste flavors for a safe and effective brushing experience that kids and parents can feel good about.

Our formulas are made with high-quality ingredients sourced and derived from nature. (For example, you can tell your little ones that our calcium carbonate is mined from a quarry in Pennsylvania and processed into an ultra-fine “scrub” to help reduce plaque, remove stains, and polish their teeth.)

Our kids toothpaste (and all of our toothpaste for that matter) is free from fluoride, sulfates, and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Instead of mystery chemicals or overly/artificially sweet pastes, choose from our flavors that are gentle, fun, and thoughtfully crafted for little taste buds.

strawberry watermelon: fruity, juicy, and perfectly sweet, this flavor is a favorite for picky brushers and first-time users! Plus, like all of our toothpaste, it uses no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This is a great fluoride free kids toothpaste for little mouths.
orange vanilla: like a creamy orange creamsicle, this flavor feels familiar and fun, while delivering powerful enamel-strengthening benefits thanks to Hydroxi™. You can tell your little ones to think of Hydroxi™ as our company superhero. It’s our secret blend of nano-hydroxyapatite (which is used by astronauts, by the way) and other naturally sourced and derived ingredients that work together to remineralize your enamel, reduce sensitivity, and repair microscopic damage.
mild mint: a gentle introduction to classic mint, this one is great for kids who want to feel a bit more grown-up, but formulated for kids who think our regular peppermint is "too spicy." Plus, just like our orange vanilla, it’s also made with Hydroxi™ for added enamel support, which is perfect for developing teeth.

As a family-owned and operated company, we’re proud that every tube of toothpaste is crafted with quality and care. Our formulas are made to help you and your little ones nurture healthy mouths and make oral care feel like a treat…not a chore.

We’re also proud to celebrate all the dads, father figures, and parents who show up in the seemingly mundane moments… like brushing your teeth. Your presence, encouragement, and example help build habits that last a lifetime…and should be celebrated every day! If you’re looking for a way to make these habits feel even more special, stock up on our fluoride free toothpaste for kids and adults. With our gentle, mouthwatering flavors, make brushing something you can all enjoy together!