When Does Brushing Kids Teeth Get Easier (and How to Help Them Get There) ?

Anyone who's parented a young child knows the struggle: twice-a-day toothbrushing battles. It can feel like an endless tug-of-war, frustrating both parent and child. We've all been there, dodging toothpaste missiles and strategising sneak attacks with a finger brush. Luckily, we’ve created a product that helps with this: Finger Toothbrush.

But fear not, fellow parents! There is light at the end of the tunnel. With a strategic approach and a hefty dose of patience, you can transform those struggles into a foundation of healthy oral hygiene habits. Here's a breakdown of when teeth brushing gets easier for kids and some tips to help them get there; you’ve got this!

The Importance of Early Oral Care

Even before your child's first pearly white erupts, setting the stage for a healthy mouth is crucial. Good oral health promotes speech development and overall well-being. Here's how to navigate the different stages:

Pre-Brushing Brigade (3 Months to 1 Year):

Gently massage your baby's gums with a silicone finger toothbrush or a super-soft brush to familiarise them with the concept of oral care. This initial comfort lays the groundwork for future brushing routines.

The Curious Explorers (1-3 Years):

Welcome to the land of the toothbrush! This stage is about positive reinforcement and creating a fun association with brushing. Focus on gentle exploration and celebrate every attempt, no matter how messy.

Tips for the Pre-Brushing Brigade and Curious Explorers:

Brush Time Buddies:

Find a cuddly toy to be your child's "brush buddy." Brushing together can make the experience more social and enjoyable.

Find the Right Products:

Sourcing the right products is paramount to ignite the fun associated with brushing. Our Dental Care Range includes a Training Tooth Brush Set designed to help youngsters get the hang of teeth brushing from the very initial stages.

Make it Fun!:

Use educational apps and videos to make brushing fun and informative. Look for content with catchy songs, engaging characters, and short brushing timers. The Wiggle’s toothbrushing song Brush your teeth is an excellent option for this.

Developing Champions (3-6 Years):

Fine motor skills are growing, but supervision is still essential. Turn brushing into a game with a fun timer and a small amount of kid-approved toothpaste. This is the prime time to introduce proper brushing techniques, gently guiding your child to reach all those crucial nooks and crannies.

Tips for the Developing Tooth Brushing Champions:

The Power of Choice:

To increase your child's interest in brushing, offer a selection of flavoured toothpaste or colourful toothbrush designs. Better Health Victoria has recommended fruit-flavoured toothpaste, suggesting that as long as there’s fluoride in it, it's good enough to use.

Our Baby Tooth Gel in Grape Flavour has received glowing reviews. Chistina27 said, “Our child enjoys brushing his teeth because of the flavoured toothpaste. He loves the taste, and it makes the task easier.”

Introduce Brushing Charts and Rewards:

Create a brushing chart with stickers or small rewards for completing twice-a-day brushing sessions. Celebrate milestones together and make brushing a positive experience.

Shining Stars (6-8 Years):

Things are looking brighter! Your child is developing the skills to brush more effectively. However, occasional supervision is still recommended to ensure they reach those back molars. This is also an excellent time to introduce flossing, demonstrate the technique, and offer child-friendly floss options.

Independent Warriors (8+ Years):

Congratulations! Most children can handle brushing independently at this stage. But remember, occasional teamwork moments are still a great way to bond and ensure proper cleaning. This is also a prime opportunity to discuss the importance of good oral hygiene habits for maintaining fresh breath and a healthy smile.

Additional Tips for Smoother Teeth Brushing:

Make it Fun: Sing songs, use a colourful timer, or choose a character toothbrush.

Lead by Example: Let your child see you brushing your teeth.

Make it a Routine: Brushing twice a day, morning and night, should be a regular part of your child's daily routine, just like getting dressed.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise their efforts, not just the results.

Choose the Right Tools: A soft-bristled brush and kid-friendly toothpaste are essential. 

Let them Choose: Give them a few toothpaste flavours or brush design options.

Books and Apps: Utilise kid-friendly resources that make brushing fun and educational.

Remember, consistency is key! With a bit of patience and these helpful tips, those twice-a-day brushing battles will become a breeze (or at least a gentle simmer instead of a full boil!).