If your kid has ever sworn up and down that they brushed their teeth — and you find a perfectly dry toothbrush 10 minutes later — you’re not alone. An informal Willo team survey revealed that 9 out of 10 kids have lied about brushing their teeth (we’re still side-eyeing that last one).
The truth is: brushing can be hard for kids. Between the textures, the tastes, the boredom, and plain old “I don’t wanna,” most kids struggle to do it well — and consistently. That’s exactly why we designed Willo to make brushing better for kids, and easier for parents.
Let’s talk about the top reasons kids skip brushing — and how Willo takes them off the table.
Sensory Overload: Toothpaste Texture and Flavor
Mint that “burns.” Paste that's "too gritty." A brush that feels rough. For sensory-sensitive kids, brushing can be overwhelming — and that leads to avoidance.
How Willo helps: Willo’s automatic toothbrush for kids delivers sensory friendly liquid toothpaste and brushing in a gentle, consistent way that kids can tolerate (and even like). The motion is smooth, the texture controlled, and the flavor doesn’t surprise them mid-brush. Less sensory chaos, more cooperation.
“It Hurts”: Inflamed Gums and Rough Brushing
When kids don’t brush well (or often enough), plaque builds up. That can make gums inflamed — which means brushing hurts — which makes kids avoid brushing… and the cycle continues.
How Willo helps: Willo removes plaque gently and effectively, so inflammation goes down and pain disappears. No more rough scrubbing or guessing if they’re brushing too hard. Just cleaner teeth and less stress for all.
It’s Boring (and They’d Rather Be Doing Literally Anything Else)
Brushing isn’t exactly top-tier entertainment for kids. Two minutes feels like forever when there are toys to play with or shows to watch.
How Willo helps: Willo turns brushing into something different — a moment. The technology feels cool (robot vibes, anyone?) and the companion app adds fun with brushing progress tracking and rewards. Kids stop seeing it as “a chore” and start seeing it as something they actually don’t mind doing.
They’re Kids. It’s a Chore. Independence Matters.
Let’s be real — kids are wired to push back. Telling them to “go brush your teeth” can feel like inviting an argument.
How Willo helps: Willo is designed with kids’ independence in mind. They can “do it themselves” while you still know it’s getting done right. It’s a win-win: independence for them, peace of mind for you.
The Toothbrush Lie (and How Willo Ends It)
Remember that informal survey? Kids lie about brushing because they know you want them to do it — but they also know you probably won’t double-check every time.
How Willo helps: With Willo’s companion app, you can see when (and how well) your child brushed. No detective work, no dry-toothbrush mysteries, just real insights that help you keep their routine on track.
The Bottom Line: Brushing Isn’t Just Hard — It’s Different for Kids
Kids don’t avoid brushing because they’re lazy or “bad at it.” They avoid it because it’s uncomfortable, boring, or just not designed with them in mind. That’s why Willo exists: to meet kids where they are and give families a smarter, calmer, cleaner way to brush.
Ready to find the best Willo for your family? Take the quiz →
