Encouraging toothbrushing for kids
Developing good oral hygiene habits at a young age is crucial for ensuring optimal oral health as children grow up.
However, it may be tricky for parents to build these habits, making it difficult to be sure that children clean their teeth twice a day, every day. As such, it’s important for dental professionals to help parents make toothbrushing an enjoyable experience for their children.
But what are the best ways to do this?
Let children choose their own toothbrush
It can be helpful to recommend that parents let their child choose their own toothbrush. There are so many fun, colourful examples out there, targeted specifically to make toothbrushing more enjoyable for children.
Getting children involved in their own oral hygiene from the beginning can be really helpful. It encourages them to make choices for themselves, and can make toothbrushing more exciting. For example, if their toothbrush is their favourite colour, or is in the shape of their favourite cartoon character, they may be more inclined to use it.[i]
Burshing teeth together
Encourage parents to set a good example by brushing their teeth with their child. Ensure that parents know how to properly brush their own teeth, in order for them to better demonstrate the technique to their children.
Parents should show their children how to clean each area of the mouth using circular strokes on each tooth surface for a total of two minutes – using a timer can help here, so the child can see how much longer they should brush for. This will also help to show the child that their parent brushes their teeth too, and help to create a routine together.[ii]
This is also a great opportunity for parents to incorporate educational resources, like books, songs, and games, to help their children learn about their oral health while they brush.[iii]
Download an engaging brushing chart here to encourage healthy habits!
From the first tooth
Starting tooth brushing early is the key to growing good habits. Encourage parents to introduce toothbrushing as soon as their first tooth has come through – usually at around six months old[iv] – and attend dental appointments early too, as this will help them to get exposed to the dental environment as early as possible.
Brushing when very young will help kids get used to the feeling of the toothbrush in their mouth and get used to the movement of brushing the gums. This means that, when their first tooth starts to come through, they won’t feel as overwhelmed with their new routine.
The NHS says that kids should be brushing their own teeth by the time they are seven.[v] So, building these habits as young as possible will set them up for success.
Child friendly toothpaste
Toothpaste flavours which have been tailored to the preferences of children can make brushing a more enjoyable experience. Minty flavours which are characteristic of adults’ toothpaste can be too harsh for a child’s palette, so choosing a softer, fruity flavour can help children look forward to their toothbrushing routine. If they like the flavour, it can become an exciting part of their day.[vi]
When choosing a children’s toothpaste, it’s important for parents to also consider its ingredients, and the benefits it offers their child. BioMin® F for Kids is a fantastic option, based on the same innovative technology as BioMin® F, but with a fruity strawberry flavour and comes in a silvery coloured gel. Children should use a pea-sized bead of BioMin® F for Kids to brush all surfaces of the teeth, and avoid rinsing to allow the smart technology to deliver low levels of fluoride for 12 hours after brushing.
Helping parents take care of their children’s oral hygiene from a young age is the key for improving oral health for years to come. Be sure to recommend child-friendly tips to make this as easy as possible.