How to Get Your Child to Brush Their Teeth: Expert Advice from Optimal Dental Health 

For many parents, getting their child to brush their teeth is one of the biggest daily challenges. If you’ve ever found yourself typing “my child won’t brush their teeth” or “how to get toddler to brush teeth” into Google late at night, you are far from alone. 

Discoloured teeth, daily resistance can leave parents feeling frustrated, guilty, and worried about long-term dental problems.

At Optimal Dental Health in Baker Street, we understand those concerns. That’s why we not only offer advice to help you at home, but also provide children’s hygiene appointments with our gentle and supportive hygienist, Siobhan Mottley, who has a keen interest in helping little ones learn to care for their teeth in a positive way.

Why Do Some Children Resist Toothbrushing?

It’s normal for children to push back against routines, especially when those routines don’t seem “fun.” Some of the most common reasons children resist brushing their teeth include:

Taste and texture issues: Some toothpastes have too strong flavour or foamy, which can put children off. Children often do not like Mint.

Boredom: Two minutes can feel like forever to a child, so brushing quickly loses their attention.

Lack of understanding: Children often don’t realise why brushing matters because they can’t see decay forming.

Independence battles: Toddlers and young children want to assert control, and toothbrushing becomes another opportunity to say no.

For parents, these battles often lead to stress at bedtime or rushed mornings, and for some, feelings of guilt if they give up and let their child skip brushing.

Why Early Dental Habits Matter

Good oral hygiene in childhood is more than just about avoiding tooth decay. Studies show that children who establish strong brushing habits early are far more likely to carry them into adulthood. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to:

• Tooth decay and fillings
• Gum disease
• Discomfort or pain that affects eating and speaking
• Confidence issues linked to discoloured teeth or bad breath

Did you know? Tooth decay was the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 5-9 in England, with 21,162 admissions in 2024/25. Over 30,000 decay-related tooth extractions for children under 19 in England occurred in 2024, with rates disproportionately affecting children in deprived areas. 

Source: https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/dental-stats-sept-25/ 

This is why dental guidance recommends brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, usually around 6 months, with a smear of toothpaste. Brushing twice daily, both morning and night, should become a non-negotiable part of your child’s routine.

Practical Tips to Help Your Child Brush

If you’ve been searching “teeth brushing tips for kids UK” or “how to make brushing fun for kids”, here are some evidence-based strategies that can make a real difference:

1. Make it Fun

Use a toothbrush with their favourite character.
Play a two-minute song or brushing video to keep them entertained.
Try apps that turn brushing into a game, rewarding them for brushing for the full time.

2. Brush Together

Children love copying their parents. Brushing your teeth at the same time helps them see it as a family activity rather than a chore. Don’t forget to replace the toothbrushes every 3 months or after illness. We offer free toothbrush recycling at Optimal.

3. Use Rewards Wisely

Sticker charts or small non-sugar based rewards for consistent brushing can help motivate younger children. Over time, the habit itself becomes the reward. 

4. Find the Right Toothpaste

If your child dislikes strong flavours, try a milder children’s toothpaste. We recommend OraNurse, a non-flavoured paste that can help with children who dislike mint. If they prefer fruity flavours, we recommend Gutology Kids Hydroxyapatite Wild Strawberry. Take them shopping to choose the paste they like.

You can find more information on the efficiency of Hydroxyapatite here.

5. Supervise Until They’re Ready

Children should be supervised with brushing until around age 7 to make sure they’re reaching all surfaces of their teeth and brushing for the recommended two minutes. Even with older children we like them to start and the parents to finish it off.

6. Stick to a Routine

Consistency is key. Brushing should happen at the same time every day, such as the morning after breakfast and always before bed. The most critical brush is before bed as their mouths dry out when they are asleep and the bacteria have a party!

How a Children’s Hygiene Appointment Can Help

Even with the best tips, many parents still feel anxious about whether their child is brushing properly or enough. That’s why searches like “children’s oral hygiene advice” and “dentist tips for brushing children’s teeth” are so common.

At Optimal Dental Health, Baker Street, our hygienist Siobhan Mottley offers dedicated children’s hygiene appointments designed to:

• Teach children correct brushing techniques in a fun and interactive way
• Monitor their gum health and watch for early signs of tooth decay
• Reinforce the importance of brushing from a friendly, non-parent voice
• Provide tailored advice for your child’s age and needs. Show them what shape of brush could be best for them and whether an electric toothbrush may be suitable.
• Give parents confidence and peace of mind

We do not recommend the use of electric toothbrushes before the age of 9 years old.

Many parents find that after just one hygiene session, brushing at home becomes easier, because their child understands why it matters and feels more empowered to take charge of their own oral care.

Building Confidence in Your Child’s Smile

Struggling with brushing doesn’t mean you’re failing as a parent. Every family faces these challenges, and support is available. With the right mix of consistency at home and professional guidance, children can build healthy habits that protect their smiles for life.

If you’re ready to take the stress out of toothbrushing and give your child the tools they need for a healthier, brighter smile, book a hygiene appointment with Siobhan at Optimal Dental Health, Baker Street. Together, we can turn daily battles into confident routines.

Contact our team today to arrange your child’s visit by calling us on 020 3921 1000 or email us at hello@optimaldental.co.uk. In a rush? You can book an appointment online here using our online booking system.