How The Tooth Fairy Movie Can Inspire Your Kids

If you have ever felt like your constant reminders to brush and floss properly and stay…

If you have ever felt like your constant reminders to brush and floss properly and stay away from sugary snacks were going right over your children's heads, it may be time to enlist some help. In the Tooth Fairy movie, Derek Thompson (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) learns firsthand what it's like to be the tooth fairy. While this movie offers entertainment for watchers of all ages, it can also be a way to make the conversation about healthy oral health habits fun instead of a boring lecture.

Setting the Stage

For the most impact, try planning to watch the movie close to the time of your child's next dental exam or loose tooth. If you can watch it the same night the tooth fairy is supposed to come to your house, it will make it all the more memorable. Make watching the Tooth Fairy movie a full-blown family night with these tips:

• Dress up. Whether your kids want to dress up as tooth fairies, teeth, their favorite healthy foods or plaque-causing germs, the more engaged they are in the process of watching the movie, the more willing they will be to participate in the discussion afterward. Dressing up doesn't just have to be for the children, either. Wear a costume of your own and get in the spirit.
• Provide healthy snacks. Trying to have a discussion about taking care of your teeth after a night filled with eating popcorn, candy and ice cream isn't likely to be well received. Keep the healthy smile theme going with snacks like fresh fruit, raw vegetables, and string cheese. Learn more about healthy snack choices in the Colgate Oral Care resources.

Conversation Starters to Keep the Discussion Going

It's important to remember that the goal of these conversations is to get your children to understand how to care for their teeth and take responsibility for their oral health. Don't get too caught up in delivering the message; instead, let your child lead the conversation so you can provide tips and emphasize certain points along the way.

• "How do you think Derek gets his teeth so white?" Dwayne Johnson has one of the most dazzling smiles in Hollywood, and asking your children how he keeps his teeth so healthy is a great way to segue into a conversation about the proper brushing and flossing habits and the importance of seeing the dentist regularly.
• "Did you see any foods that are good for your teeth? What about unhealthy ones?" While the movie may not directly discuss how important eating habits are to maintaining healthy teeth, you can still start a discussion on the different types of foods displayed in the movie and whether or not they would be good choices.