Top Tips For Getting Children To Brush Their Teeth

2nd November 2010

Millions of British parents are letting their children off brushing their teeth simply because they’re too rushed or stressed. That’s one of the findings from a new study of parents with young children which found nearly a third of parents let their children skip brushing if they’re in too much of a rush, while one in five say they let their kids off simply to avoid the hassle.

In addition, a quarter of those polled in the survey by Sonicare claim their youngsters’ constant arguing about having to brush their teeth causes anxiety. A further 6% let their children off because they don’t want to cause an argument.

NHS dental guidelines state children should brush their teeth twice a day, however 18% of parents admitted their child only brushes once a day, if at all.

So what can you as a parent do to make sure your children maintain strong healthy teeth? Celebrity nanny, Fin Doherty believes adding an element of fun is the key to success. Check out her tips below.

Fin Doherty’s Top Teethbrushing Tips

Brushing your child’s teeth should start as soon as the first tooth appears, as a baby 6 – 12 months is the norm.
Use the right size toothbrush is important to begin with use one with soft bristles and a soft handle.
Use the right toothpaste for the right age group.
Encourage your baby/child to brush their teeth twice a day.
Children under the age of seven will need help to achieve this.

Having Fun Whilst Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

Let’s make a Game out of it "Let’s brush our teeth and make them squeaky clean".
Draw Up a Star Chart. If your child brushes his/her teeth then reward them using the free downloadable wall chart on the Sonicare website. At the end of the week. You could reward your child with new toothpaste, toothbrush, stickers etc.
Stick to a Routine. Do this twice a day, after Breakfast and before going to bed
Go Tooth Brush Shopping Let your child choose their own toothbrush handle – children love colours and characters, so let them personalise the toothbrush you choose and it will make the process more enjoyable for them and you as a parent.
Go Toothpaste Shopping Let your child choose their toothpaste. All toothpaste now comes in a variety of flavours. Buy several types of flavours and let your child decide which one he/she likes the best and stick with that brand.
Check the plaque Buy some disclosing tablets and let your children see how much plaque they have left behind. Challenge them to remove the most plaque from their teeth.
Pretend Play/Social Development Buy a dentist kit. Roleplay is an excellent way to help your child to learn how to brush their teeth. Let your child visit the dentist and talk about the experience.
Sing About Brushing Your Teeth "If you’re happy and you know it Brush your teeth" or "Here we go round the Mulberry bush early in the morning. This is the way we brush our teeth". Remember to do the actions as well.