10 hacks for getting kids to actually clean their teeth
From tantrums to distractions, the battle over oral hygiene is one many parents know all too well.
Getting kids to brush their teeth can often feel like an uphill struggle, complete with distractions, tears and tantrums.
But don’t worry, as we’ve got your back. There are plenty of creative, fun, and simple ways to turn oral hygiene into a habit they actually look forward to.
Ahead of World Oral Health Day (March 20), we’ve chatted to some top dentists to uncover some of the common reasons behind teeth-brushing tantrums and have complied 10 clever hacks to get your kids excited about taking care of their pearly whites.
What factors can lead to teeth-brushing tantrums?
There are many reasons why some young children struggle to brush their teeth, one being a lack of know-how.
“If kids haven’t been properly shown how to brush their teeth, they may not do it effectively or might avoid it altogether,” suggests James Goolnik, dentist and founder of Optimal Dental Health in London.
They might also dislike the taste of a particular toothpaste. “Mint can feel ‘too spicy’ for some kids,” recognises Goolnik. “If they dislike the taste, they won’t want to brush.”
A resistance to teeth brushing might also be due to boredom or discomfort.
“Brushing feels like a chore, and without motivation, kids may put up a fight,” says Goolnik. “Some kids may also find brushing uncomfortable due to sensitive gums or a dislike of the toothbrush texture.”
What can the consequences be if they don’t brush their teeth properly?
Inadequate brushing can result in bad breath, bleeding gums, or even tooth decay in some cases.
“Food particles and bacteria build up, leading to unpleasant breath,” says Goolnik. “Plaque buildup can also cause gum inflammation (gingivitis), making gums sore and prone to bleeding.
“In addition, food left on teeth leads to acid-producing bacteria, which weaken enamel and cause cavities.”
To prevent this, here are 10 simple hacks to help your kids brush their teeth properly…
1. Let them pick their own toothbrush and toothpaste
“A really good tip is to take your child shopping and let them choose their own toothbrush,” says Dr Sam Jethwa, dentist and founder of Bespoke Smile.
And if they frequently fuss about the current toothpaste flavour, see if they’d like to try a new one.
“Fruity or milder flavours can make brushing more enjoyable and help kids feel in control,” says Goolnik. “OraNurse even has an unflavoured one.”
2. Use a timer
A timer helps make sure children brush their teeth for the recommended two minutes.
“Kids may be more inclined to follow a thorough brushing technique when guided by a timer, and may be less distracted by things around them if focused on the seconds counting down,” says Dr Smita Mehra, principal dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practice.
“Parents can use the timer to supervise their children, ensuring they brush for the recommended duration, even when doing it independently.
“Without a timer, children may rush through brushing, leading to inadequate cleaning and leaving plaque behind.”
3. Make it into a game
“For younger children, brushing teeth can be a boring or monotonous task. Incorporating a game, or adding some fun to the routine can therefore encourage kids to be more enthusiastic about the process,” says Mehra. “Make it a race against the clock or see if they can beat their previous brushing time.”
4. Sticker chart rewards
“Reward good brushing habits with stickers and a small prize at the end of the week,” recommends Goolnik.
5. Brush together
“Kids copy what they see – brushing as a family makes it a shared, fun routine,” says Goolnik.
6. Tell a story
“Make up a tale about ‘sugar bugs’ that need to be brushed away or use a favourite toy to demonstrate,” suggests Goolnik.
7. Play a song
“Another way to make the routine a more fun experience for kids is to play their favourite song,” says Mehra. “By doing so, you can encourage them to clean along to the music, creating a dance party in the bathroom.”
8. Watch videos together
“There are lots of videos online you can show your children to help them understand how to brush their teeth,” says Jethwa.
9. Buy a jaw model
“You can buy models of teeth online, which can be really useful when teaching,” says Jethwa.
10. Look on the app store
“There are also various interactive apps, like Brush DJ or Aquafresh Brush Time, which are available to guide children through the brushing process, featuring games, timers, and educational content,” says Mehra.