Most kids and adults— have a mutual favorite toy: Smartphones and tablets! Not only can they capture photos and videos, create shopping lists and serve as alarm clocks, but they also can help when it comes to your oral health. There are many apps out there, but I am going to limit it to 7 in the interest of space and time. I have categorized them according to use and need. The ones I have chosen are free unless otherwise noted, and available for ipad/iphone/ipod touch and android devices.
Toothbrush timer apps
Brush DJ-Brush DJ is an award-winning, NHS approved, free toothbrush timer app that plays 2 minutes of music taken from the user's device to encourage brushing for an effective length of time. The app also allows users to set reminders to brush twice a day, floss, use a mouthrinse and when next to see their dentist or hygienist. This is a really awesome app that is better geared to teens and adults. In addition to being able to customize the background colors-you can change up the music as you like. After you are done, you will receive a round of applause. It also can remind you when it’s time to see your dentist.
Aquafresh Brush Time- This app is geared toward children under age 7. With a few clicks, your kids can dance and hum their way to better oral care. The fun starts with a pea-sized squirt of toothpaste — called a Nurdle — giving your children directions on how to brush all parts of their teeth. A timer counts down for two minutes while a catchy song plays. Two minutes is the key — that’s how long is recommended for the best results. For every brushing he or she completes, your child earns points that can be used to customize his or her Nurdle. Multiple Nurdles can be saved, so everyone in your house can join in the fun.
Dental Definitions and Terms
Dental Dictionary Lite-
(Available on Android devices only)
This is a basic no-frills app that alphabetically lists dental terms, as well as some dental insurance terms. From “abfraction” to “zoster”, you can find out what you dentist is talking about when you have an examination done. Just tap on the word and the explanation of the word comes up.
Toothaches and Symptoms
ADA Symptom Checker- An app designed to help you monitor and maintain your dental health. The Symptom Checker can help you understand symptoms you may be experiencing and relate them to possible conditions. You simply answer a few questions based on your gender and age. You select where your symptom is located, and then select the symptoms. It will give a description of the symptom, risk factors, and possible treatment. It also advises having your dentist do proper diagnosis and recommend treatment. It also can refer to a dentist based on name or location. I had no problem finding myself on the app!
Dental Games for Kids
Toothsavers Brushing Game (Timer and game in one)-Children are given the opportunity to save the kingdom with their toothbrush. An evil sorceress has cast a wicked spell, leaving everyone’s mouths to rot and be overrun by cavities. Children have two minutes to brush and scrub away the spell for each of the kingdom’s quirky inhabitants.
Monster Mouth DDS-This is a free game that makes oral health fun! As a dentist for monsters, you’ll journey into the cavernous mouths of monsters in order to solve their dental problems before their mouths slam shut. Monster Mouth DDS lets you take control of being a dentist for an array of wacky monster patients, each of which has a unique complaint that you’ll have to deal with as quickly as you can, while inflicting as little pain as possible. It’s fun for all ages and kid-friendly.
Just For Fun
Last of the apps listed is one just for fun-It’s called Dental Drill (Free on Android, 99 cents for iphone) What is the most disgusting noise that exists? The dentist's drill! Everyone knows it, everyone hates it. With this fun app you can annoy your friends! Drive your girlfriend mad! Simply start the app and switch on the drill.
Have a terrific May!
Dr. Rachel
Toothbrush timer apps
Brush DJ-Brush DJ is an award-winning, NHS approved, free toothbrush timer app that plays 2 minutes of music taken from the user's device to encourage brushing for an effective length of time. The app also allows users to set reminders to brush twice a day, floss, use a mouthrinse and when next to see their dentist or hygienist. This is a really awesome app that is better geared to teens and adults. In addition to being able to customize the background colors-you can change up the music as you like. After you are done, you will receive a round of applause. It also can remind you when it’s time to see your dentist.
Aquafresh Brush Time- This app is geared toward children under age 7. With a few clicks, your kids can dance and hum their way to better oral care. The fun starts with a pea-sized squirt of toothpaste — called a Nurdle — giving your children directions on how to brush all parts of their teeth. A timer counts down for two minutes while a catchy song plays. Two minutes is the key — that’s how long is recommended for the best results. For every brushing he or she completes, your child earns points that can be used to customize his or her Nurdle. Multiple Nurdles can be saved, so everyone in your house can join in the fun.
Dental Definitions and Terms
Dental Dictionary Lite-
(Available on Android devices only)
This is a basic no-frills app that alphabetically lists dental terms, as well as some dental insurance terms. From “abfraction” to “zoster”, you can find out what you dentist is talking about when you have an examination done. Just tap on the word and the explanation of the word comes up.
Toothaches and Symptoms
ADA Symptom Checker- An app designed to help you monitor and maintain your dental health. The Symptom Checker can help you understand symptoms you may be experiencing and relate them to possible conditions. You simply answer a few questions based on your gender and age. You select where your symptom is located, and then select the symptoms. It will give a description of the symptom, risk factors, and possible treatment. It also advises having your dentist do proper diagnosis and recommend treatment. It also can refer to a dentist based on name or location. I had no problem finding myself on the app!
Dental Games for Kids
Toothsavers Brushing Game (Timer and game in one)-Children are given the opportunity to save the kingdom with their toothbrush. An evil sorceress has cast a wicked spell, leaving everyone’s mouths to rot and be overrun by cavities. Children have two minutes to brush and scrub away the spell for each of the kingdom’s quirky inhabitants.
Monster Mouth DDS-This is a free game that makes oral health fun! As a dentist for monsters, you’ll journey into the cavernous mouths of monsters in order to solve their dental problems before their mouths slam shut. Monster Mouth DDS lets you take control of being a dentist for an array of wacky monster patients, each of which has a unique complaint that you’ll have to deal with as quickly as you can, while inflicting as little pain as possible. It’s fun for all ages and kid-friendly.
Just For Fun
Last of the apps listed is one just for fun-It’s called Dental Drill (Free on Android, 99 cents for iphone) What is the most disgusting noise that exists? The dentist's drill! Everyone knows it, everyone hates it. With this fun app you can annoy your friends! Drive your girlfriend mad! Simply start the app and switch on the drill.
Have a terrific May!
Dr. Rachel
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