Using Play Therapy to Reinforce Brushing Techniques

At McLevin Dental, we know that teaching children good oral hygiene isn’t always as simple as handing them a toothbrush. For many children—especially those with sensory sensitivities, autism, ADHD, or dental anxiety—the process of brushing teeth can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even uncomfortable.

That’s where play therapy becomes a powerful tool. By turning oral care into a playful, engaging experience, we can help children build confidence, reduce fear, and develop lifelong brushing habits in a way that feels natural and fun.

In this blog, we’ll explore how dental professionals, parents, and caregivers can use play therapy techniques to reinforce brushing techniques and make oral hygiene an enjoyable part of daily life.

Why Play Therapy Works in Dental Care

Play is a child’s natural language. It’s how they explore the world, learn new skills, and process their emotions. When dental education is embedded into play, children are more likely to:

Understand brushing steps

Feel less anxious about oral care

Develop muscle memory for brushing techniques

Associate dental hygiene with positive emotions

For children with developmental differences or sensory processing challenges, play can also help desensitize them to the textures, sensations, and routines involved in oral care.

How We Use Play Therapy at McLevin Dental

Our team integrates play-based strategies both in the clinic and through guidance for home routines. Here are some ways we make brushing fun and effective.

Play-Based Techniques for Brushing Success

1. Role Play with Dolls or Stuffed Animals

Children love teaching others what they’ve learned. Using a doll or stuffed animal with a toy toothbrush, kids can “brush” their toy’s teeth. This teaches the correct brushing motion while reducing pressure.

Let the child pretend to be the dentist.

Narrate the process: “Let’s clean the top teeth! Now the bottom ones!”

Model gentleness and patience.

2. Use a Mirror for Self-Exploration

A mirror turns brushing into a visual game. Kids can watch themselves and even make funny faces while learning:

Where their teeth are

How to open wide

How to brush in circles or sweep away “sugar bugs”

3. Toothbrushing Songs and Timers

Adding music or timers makes brushing more structured and fun. Use a favorite song or a two-minute brushing video. Singing about brushing not only keeps the child engaged but also signals when the task is done.

4. Brushing Charts and Sticker Rewards

Visual progress charts with stickers motivate children to brush daily. Celebrate each successful day with praise and small rewards.

5. Sensory Play with Dental Tools

For children with sensory sensitivities, exposure through play helps:

Use toy dental kits at home to touch and explore tools.

Let them handle a real toothbrush before using it on themselves.

Practice opening wide or counting teeth together.

6. Storytelling Around Brushing

Create a simple story where the toothbrush is a superhero fighting against “sugar bugs” or “cavity monsters.” This transforms brushing from a chore into an exciting mission.

In-Clinic Play Therapy Techniques

At McLevin Dental, we incorporate play during dental visits to help children become comfortable with the tools and procedures.

Show-Tell-Do: We show the tools, explain how they feel, and let the child touch them before starting.

Play breaks: During longer appointments, we pause for play, stories, or sensory regulation activities.

Positive reinforcement: Every success—no matter how small—is celebrated with high fives, verbal praise, or small prizes.

Adapting Play Therapy for Sensory Needs

For kids with sensory processing differences:

Choose toothbrushes with softer bristles or vibration if preferred.

Experiment with different flavors of toothpaste to find one that isn’t overwhelming.

Offer choices: “Do you want to brush your top teeth first or bottom teeth?”

Offering control through choices helps reduce resistance.

Supporting Families at Home

We believe that what happens at home is just as important as what happens in the clinic. Our dental team provides:

Personalized brushing plans based on the child’s needs

Demonstrations of play-based techniques during appointments

Tips on integrating brushing into bedtime or morning routines smoothly

Building Lifelong Habits Through Play

When brushing feels like a game instead of a battle, kids are far more likely to stick with it. Play therapy not only improves brushing skills but also creates positive associations with dental care in general.

Over time, this means:

Fewer cavities

Healthier gums

Less dental anxiety during checkups and cleanings

McLevin Dental: Making Smiles Fun

At McLevin Dental, we’re not just focused on clean teeth—we’re focused on happy, confident kids who feel good about their dental care. Whether your child loves brushing or finds it challenging, our team is ready to help with playful, supportive strategies designed for every child’s unique needs.

Let’s work together to make brushing something your child looks forward to every day!