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Helping Your Child Brush Their Teeth

This guide is to help you support your child with brushing their teeth.

What can be difficult?

Some children find brushing their teeth uncomfortable or upsetting. This may be because of:

  • The feel of the toothbrush on their teeth or gums
  • Past experiences of pain or discomfort
  • The taste or feel of the toothpaste
  • The bathroom environment (noise, bright lights, strong smells)

These feelings can be much stronger for some children. Going slowly, offering choices, and staying calm can help.

Top tips for toothbrushing:

  • Make sure your child sees the dentist regularly. Pain during brushing may be caused by a dental problem.
  • Use a tooth‑brushing song or a visual timer so your child knows when brushing will start and finish.
  • Try to make tooth brushing part of the daily routine.
  • Think about the environment (see below).

Make the environment calmer:

Bathrooms can be loud and bright. You could try:

  • Turning off the main light and using hallway light or battery candles
  • Speaking quietly, as bathrooms echo
  • Brushing teeth in a different room using a bowl

Other ideas to try:

  • Before brushing, let your child bite on a rubber toothbrush or tubing to help prepare their mouth.
  • Help your child press firmly along their jaw with their fingers before brushing.
  • Encourage your child to brush their own teeth first, so they can control the pressure.
  • Have two toothbrushes – one for your child and one for you to use if needed.
  • Trial toothbrushing sitting down or standing up – your child may prefer the stability of sitting or may need to stand and rock or move.

Choosing a Toothbrush and Toothpaste:

Toothbrush:

  • Try a soft or smaller brush if the bristles feel too harsh
  • Some children prefer an electric toothbrush because of the vibration
  • Try having two toothbrushes; one that you use to brush their teeth and one that your child uses and swap between these if your child finds it difficult.

Toothpaste:

  • If your child dislikes strong flavours or foam, try a mild or unflavoured toothpaste (such as OraNurse)
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