Mint is refreshing… for adults. But for many children? It feels like brushing with spicy ice. At neen, we wanted to understand why so many kids resist brushing — and why mint flavors were part of the problem. Here’s what we discovered and how we fixed it.
😬 The Problem: Mint = “Too Spicy” for Young Mouths
Children’s taste buds are more sensitive than adults’. While we might describe mint as “fresh” or “clean,” kids often interpret it as spicy, cold, or even painful.
Mint flavors activate the TRPM8 receptor, which creates a cooling sensation. That’s fine for an adult who wants to feel extra fresh — but to a child, it can be uncomfortable or overwhelming.
Result? Tantrums. Complaints. Or complete toothbrushing refusal.
🍓🍋 The Solution: Flavors That Feel Like a Treat, Not a Punishment
At neen, we used our dental experience (and lots of taste testing with kids!) to develop two flavor profiles for our Kids Foam:
- 🍓 Strawberry – sweet, fruity, and gentle
- 🍋 Lemon – tangy and fresh, without the minty sting
Both are free from strong menthol and instead use mild, naturally derived flavors that kids actually enjoy. And they’re safe to swallow — because we know accidents happen.
✅ Why It Works
- Encourages independent brushing
- Reduces struggles and stress for parents
- Builds positive brushing habits early on
- Makes oral hygiene feel like fun, not a chore
We believe oral care should never feel like punishment. That’s why neen Kids Foam is made with safe ingredients, delicious flavors, and a whole lot of love (and science). 💜
🦷 Pro Tip from neen:
Let your child choose their flavor. Giving them the power to decide makes brushing feel like their choice — not just another parent rule.
