When should I start brushing my child's teeth?đȘ„đ
For some families, brushing teeth is a perfectly ordinary part of the morning and bedtime routine. For others, those two minutes can feel like the longest part of the day! Whether your little one insists on doing everything themselves, refuses to open their mouth or suddenly develops a hundred more interesting things to do, getting young children to brush their teeth isn't always straightforward.
This week at Fun Box Day Nursery, we welcomed Wendy from Hampshire Healthy Heroes , who helped our children discover why looking after their teeth is so important and how they can keep their smiles healthy.
Big Teeth, Big Toothbrushes and Lots of Fun!
Our visit from Wendy
Wendy brought along some wonderful resources, including large pictures of teeth, oversized toy toothbrushes and a giant set of teeth that the children could use to practise their brushing techniques. With plenty of opportunities for hands-on exploration and some toothbrushing songs, she turned an everyday routine into an exciting learning experience.
Using the giant teeth and toothbrushes, the children could explore how we clean the different surfaces of our teeth and why reaching those tricky areas at the back is just as important as brushing the front. These practical activities gave them the opportunity to develop their understanding while practising the movements they can use when brushing their own teeth.
Experiences like this are particularly valuable in the early years. Children learn through play, repetition and hands-on exploration, and having the opportunity to practise a new skill in a relaxed, enjoyable environment can help them feel more confident about trying it at home.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
The answer might surprise some parents: as soon as that very first milk tooth appears!
Baby teeth are important, even though they will eventually fall out. They help children chew, develop their speech and maintain the space needed for their permanent teeth. Establishing a good oral hygiene routine from the beginning helps protect those precious first teeth and develops habits that can last a lifetime.
According to the NHS guidelines for children's teeth , children should have their teeth brushed twice a day for approximately two minutes, once before bedtime and once at another suitable time during the day. Parents should continue to help or supervise their children until they are at least seven years old.
Which Toothpaste Should You Choose?
With so many colourful children's toothpastes on supermarket shelves, choosing the right one can be confusing. The important thing to look for is fluoride, a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay.
Check the fluoride concentration (ppm) on the toothpaste packaging. Follow your dentist's advice if your child needs a different fluoride strength. Source: NHSÂ .
Fluoride-free toothpaste is not generally recommended for preventing tooth decay. Equally, there is no need to fill the entire toothbrush with toothpaste, regardless of what your child might think! Using the appropriate amount provides protection while limiting how much toothpaste young children might swallow.
How to Brush Those Little Teeth Properly
Brushing doesn't have to be complicated, but technique matters. Using a small, soft toothbrush suitable for your child's age, gently clean the teeth with small circular movements, remembering to reach the front, back and chewing surfaces, as well as the gumline.
For babies, sitting them on your lap with their head resting against your chest can make brushing easier. Older children can practise holding their own toothbrush, with an adult guiding their hand and finishing any areas they might have missed.
Once children are able to spit, encourage them to spit out the excess toothpaste without rinsing their mouths with water afterwards. This allows the fluoride to remain on their teeth for longer.
Making Toothbrushing Less of a Battle
Of course, knowing how to brush teeth and persuading a reluctant toddler to cooperate are two very different things! Young children are developing their independence, and being told to stop playing and open their mouths isn't always a particularly appealing proposition. Some may also dislike the taste of toothpaste or the sensation of a toothbrush in their mouths.
Making toothbrushing predictable, playful and giving children a little control can help. Let your child choose between two suitable toothbrushes, brush your teeth together in front of a mirror or introduce a favourite two-minute toothbrushing song. You could even take turns: let your child practise brushing your teeth (with your own toothbrush!) before you help them brush theirs.
The giant teeth and toothbrushes Wendy brought to nursery offered another lovely idea for home. Children can practise brushing a doll's teeth or pretend to teach their favourite teddy how to brush properly. When they become the teacher, they have an opportunity to revisit what they've learnt without the pressure of having someone brush their own teeth.
If your child finds brushing particularly difficult because of sensory sensitivities, try experimenting with different soft toothbrushes and age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste flavours. Introduce new sensations gradually and keep the experience calm, while continuing to work towards thorough twice-daily brushing.
Healthy Teeth Are About More Than Just Brushing
Good oral health also involves what children eat and drink It isn't simply the amount of sugar they consume that matters, but how frequently their teeth are exposed to it. Offering water or plain milk between meals and keeping sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Regular dental visits are important, too. The NHS recommends taking children to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear or before their first birthday. Early visits allow children to become familiar with the environment and give parents an opportunity to receive advice before problems develop.
A Big Thank You to Wendy!
We would like to thank Wendy from Hampshire Healthy Heroes for visiting us and bringing oral health education to life for our children. With giant teeth, oversized toothbrushes, songs and plenty of hands-on opportunities, she helped make an important everyday skill accessible and enjoyable.
If you would like more information about children's health, development and wellbeing, visit Hampshire Healthy Families , where parents and carers can find advice, support and resources. You can also explore their Hampshire Healthy Heroes programme  to learn more about the work they do with early years settings.
After all, helping children look after their teeth isn't just about achieving a sparkling smile today. It's about giving them the confidence, understanding and healthy habits to look after themselves as they grow.
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