How to get your little one to brush their teeth

It's National Smile Month! Let's celebrate this month by discussing the importance of oral hygiene.

According to the NHS website, you can start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they come through! Use a tiny smear of toothpaste for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old, and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3 to 6 years.

Oral hygiene is very important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and making good habits in children at an early age is vital. But, we know how hard it is to get our little ones to brush their teeth. One minute you're putting toothpaste on their toothbrush and the next there's toothpaste absolutely everywhere! Thankfully, with a few creative tips and tricks, we can tell you how to make brushing a fun and enjoyable activity for your little ones.

Lead by Example

Children are excellent imitators, so be a positive role model by demonstrating good oral hygiene habits yourself. Let them watch you brushing your teeth with enthusiasm and explain the importance of keeping their teeth clean and healthy.

Make it a family affair

Turn brushing time into a family special! Get everyone together in the bathroom and brush your teeth. This not only creates a sense of togetherness but also adds an element of fun and competition, making it more enjoyable for children.

Choose kid-friendly toothpaste

Invest in colourful, fun toothbrushes and flavoured toothpaste designed specifically for children. Let them pick their favourite characters or colours, giving them a sense of ownership and excitement about using their special toothbrush and toothpaste.

Set a routine

Establish a consistent brushing routine by setting specific times for brushing, such as after breakfast and before bedtime. Consistency helps children develop a habit and understand that brushing is a regular part of their daily routine.

Make it a game

Transform brushing into a playful activity. Use a timer or play their favourite song to make brushing for the recommended two minutes more entertaining.

Storytelling

Engage their imagination by telling stories about dental hygiene or reading books emphasizing the importance of brushing. Many children's books feature relatable characters going on oral hygiene adventures, making it both educational and exciting. If you need some other inspo, take a look at our NappyChat characters! You can find them on our packaging and on our products themselves! At Mum & You we believe reading stories and chatting through playtime can make a big difference in our babies’ lives, so to help inspire you (because let’s be honest, sometimes we’re too exhausted to know what to say!) we created a playful tribe of characters that you will find on our Mum & You eco-nappies. Through them we want to help you bond with your baby at change time and beyond.

Positivity

Praise and reward your little one's efforts for brushing their teeth consistently. Use stickers, small treats, or a star chart to track their progress and celebrate milestones. Positive reinforcement encourages them to continue the good habit.

Mum tips

Stubborn or reluctant tooth brusher? Let them have a play brushing their teeth first and then you finish off to ensure they're clean (you could even use two brushes so they have one and you have one).

We keep toothbrushes downstairs as well as upstairs so we have one close by in the morning.

Look up the Hey Duggee teeth brushing song on Youtube, our little ones love brushing their teeth along to the song!

These tips have helped us all at Mum & You! We hope they help you too x x