Developing healthy oral hygiene habits in children : a caring guide for parents

We know that helping your child build healthy habits around their teeth can sometimes feel tricky and that’s completely normal. At every step, we’re here to support you and your little one, making oral care simple, positive, and even fun.

Good dental health starts early, and with a little patience and some helpful guidance, you’ll be setting your child up for a lifetime of confident smiles. Here’s everything you need to know to get started, with tips designed to work for your family.

1. Start oral care early even before teeth appear

Oral care isn’t just about teeth, it starts before your baby even has any! Gently wiping their gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeding helps keep their mouth clean and introduces them to the idea of care in a gentle way.

Once that first tooth shows up, it’s time to begin brushing using a soft baby toothbrush and just water at first. We recommend keeping toothpaste minimal until they can spit it out safely, usually around 18 months.

Remember, this is about getting them comfortable, not perfect brushing from day one.

2. Make brushing fun and part of your family routine

Kids learn best when they’re having fun and feel involved. Here are some practices you could implement with your kids : 

• Try brushing your teeth together, little ones love copying their parents!

• Sing a favorite song or use a brushing app to keep things light and entertaining

• Let your child pick their own toothbrush or toothpaste flavor to get them excited

• Celebrate small wins with sticker charts or lots of praise

• Most importantly, try to brush at the same time each day to build a comforting routine

We know it’s not always easy, but with a little creativity and consistency, brushing can become a highlight, not a chore. 

3. Nutrition: a key to healthy teeth

What your child eats and drinks plays a huge role in their dental health, and it’s something you can influence every day.

Limiting sugary snacks and drinks helps protect those little teeth. Encourage snacks like crunchy fruits, veggies, cheese, and yoghurt : these foods actually help keep teeth strong.
Avoid sticky treats that stick to teeth for too long and can cause decay. And don’t forget drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food and keeps the mouth fresh.

4. Regular dental visits help keep smiles healthy

Taking your child to the dentist regularly might sound daunting, but early visits are really about building trust and keeping problems away before they start.

We suggest booking your child’s first visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.
During visits, we can check how teeth and jaws are developing, offer preventive treatments, and answer any questions you have.

5. Help your child understand why dental care matters

Talking with your child about why we care for teeth can motivate them to take part happily.

Use simple words to explain what brushing and flossing do. Books, videos, and fun games about teeth can make learning enjoyable.
Celebrate their progress and answer their questions honestly.
Encouraging your child to express their feelings about dental visits can make a big difference in how they approach oral care.

We’re always here if you want advice on how to talk about dental health in a kid-friendly way.

6. Watch for habits that might affect teeth

Some habits, while comforting for young children, can negatively impact dental health if they continue for too long.

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common and normal soothing behaviors in infancy and early toddlerhood. However, it’s best to gently encourage your child to stop these habits by around age 2 to 3 to prevent potential problems with tooth alignment, such as crooked teeth or bite issues.

Chewing on hard objects or using teeth as tools can cause chips, cracks, or excessive wear on teeth. Helping your child avoid these behaviors protects their teeth from unnecessary damage.

If your child breathes through their mouth regularly or grinds their teeth (bruxism), please let us know. Mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues, while grinding can wear down enamel and cause discomfort. Early detection means we can recommend the best treatment or management.

We understand every child is unique, and we’re here to offer personalized advice and support tailored to your family’s needs.

7. Support your child’s brushing based on their age

Young children need your help with their dental care, and as they grow, you can gently guide them toward brushing independently.

• Under 3 years: Brush your child’s teeth for them using just a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. At this age, they don’t have the skills to brush properly on their own yet.
  
  

• Between 3 and 6 years: Let your child try brushing first to build their confidence, then finish the job yourself to ensure their teeth are thoroughly clean. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  
  

• 6 years and older: Encourage your child to brush independently but supervise and check to make sure they’re doing it well and covering all areas.
  
  

Introduce flossing as soon as two teeth begin to touch, which usually happens around 2 to 3 years old. Start using mouthwash only when your child can rinse and spit safely - generally after age 6 and always under adult supervision.

We know that caring for your child’s teeth can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Together, with patience and kindness, we can help your child build habits that protect their smile for life.

If you ever have questions, need support, or want to book a visit, our friendly team is here for you and your family every step of the way.