How to Choose a Toothbrushing App for Kids

Picking a brushing app for your child? Here's a simple checklist, and how NURTO turns brushing into a game kids want to play again tomorrow.

There are dozens of kids' brushing apps out there, and parents often ask which one is worth downloading. Here is a short checklist, and how we built NURTO around it.

1. Does it know if your child is really brushing?

Many apps run a two-minute timer and celebrate at the end, even if the toothbrush never moved. Kids figure that out within days. NURTO uses the device camera to notice brushing movement, so the game only moves forward while your child brushes. Video stays on the device.

2. Will your child want to come back tomorrow?

A brushing app is competing with every other screen in the house. In NURTO, kids brush through a series of adventure worlds that unlock one at a time, earn coins, and grow their own creature companion, so there is always a reason to pick up the toothbrush again tonight.

3. Is it right for your child's age?

Little ones need simple visuals and lots of encouragement, while older kids want a real challenge. NURTO is built for kids roughly 3 to 13, with no fail screens. A short session still earns credit.

4. Does it make your life easier?

You should be able to check in without standing over the sink every night. NURTO's parent dashboard shows brushing activity over time, and families can look up providers in the NURTO provider directory.

Quick tips for any brushing app

1. Brush together for the first week. 2. Keep the device in the same spot by the sink. 3. Let your child pick their world or character. 4. Celebrate streaks, and don't stress over a missed night.

For more ideas, see our 10 toothbrushing games for kids.

Try NURTO

If you want a brushing app your child will look forward to, try NURTO at tinyteethtech.com.

NURTO is a habit and engagement tool for families. It does not diagnose, treat, or prevent medical or dental conditions, and it does not replace regular dental visits or advice from your child's dentist.

Try NURTO