If bedtime brushing in your house feels like a wrestling match, you're not alone. I'm Jess, an Oral Health Therapist, and "how do I get my child to brush?" is one of the questions I hear most. The short answer: make brushing predictable, make it a bit fun, give your child some control, and keep helping them until they're about eight. Here are the tips I see working in real households.
Why kids push back on brushing
Little ones want independence, they don't love having something in their mouth, and brushing usually lands at the end of the day when everyone is tired. Some children also find strong mint flavours too "spicy". Once you know what's behind the protest, it's much easier to pick the right fix.
10 ways to get kids to brush their teeth
1. Make it the same time, every time
Australian guidance is to brush twice a day: in the morning and before bed. Tie brushing to things that already happen, like after breakfast and straight after bath or pyjamas. When it's simply "what we do next", there's less to argue about.
2. Brush together
Kids copy what they see. Brush your own teeth at the same time and pull silly faces in the mirror. It turns a chore into something you share.
3. Let them choose (within limits)
Offer two options rather than a yes-or-no question: "the blue brush or the green one?", "brush in the bathroom or the kitchen tonight?". A bit of choice gives them the control they're looking for while the brushing still happens.
4. Use a timer or a two-minute song
Two minutes feels like forever to a four-year-old. A sand timer, a brushing app or a favourite song gives them a clear finish line. Some powered toothbrushes have a built-in two-minute timer, and Australian dental guidance says children can start using one from about three years old.
5. Turn it into a game
Hunt for "sugar bugs" hiding on the back teeth, count the teeth out loud, or make the brush a train going through the tunnel. Silly works.
6. Let them go first, then you finish
Let your child have a turn holding the brush, then say "my turn" and finish properly. Children need an adult to help with brushing until they're around eight or nine years old, because they don't yet have the hand control to reach every surface. A handy rule of thumb: when they're confident writing with a pen at school, they're usually getting there. Even after that, keep supervising.
7. Find a comfortable position
For toddlers, try sitting on the floor with their head resting in your lap, looking up at you. For older kids, stand behind them in front of the mirror so you can see what you're doing. Use a small, soft toothbrush and gentle circles on the outsides and insides of the teeth, then a light back-and-forth on the chewing surfaces.
8. Keep the toothpaste amount small (and the flavour mild)
Children only need a little toothpaste. A smear is plenty for little ones, and no more than a pea-sized amount for older kids. Put it on the brush yourself and keep the tube out of reach. If strong mint is the problem, a milder flavour can make a real difference. That's one reason I made our Mild Mint toothpaste gentle enough for the whole family to share. Ask your dental professional what suits your child's age, including whether to use toothpaste at all for babies and young toddlers. There's more detail in Can Kids Use Adult Toothpaste? and Is Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Safe for Kids?
9. Praise the effort, not just the result
A sticker chart for a week of good mornings and nights works well for many three to seven year olds. Keep rewards small and non-food, and make the praise specific: "you held still so I could get your back teeth, thank you!"
10. Stay calm on the hard nights
Some nights will be messy, and that's normal. Avoid turning it into a power struggle. Do what you can, keep it positive, and come back to the routine next time. Consistency over weeks matters far more than one perfect night.
Tips by age
Babies and toddlers
Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft baby toothbrush. Keep it brief and gentle, and sing while you go. Australian dental guidance suggests a first dental visit when the first teeth come through, or by around 12 months.
Preschoolers (3–5)
This is peak "I do it myself!" territory. Let them have a go, then finish for them. Timers, songs, games and sticker charts work especially well at this age.
School-age kids (6–8+)
Give them more responsibility while you still check and finish off. Once they have two teeth touching side by side, cleaning between them with floss or flossettes is a good habit to add, with your help.
Make the routine easier on yourself
A few small things take the friction out of the day:
- Keep a brush and toothpaste in every bathroom you use, so there's no hunting around at bedtime.
- Swap toothbrushes every three months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed.
- Use one family toothpaste so nobody is arguing over whose tube is whose.
If you're buying for a few bathrooms, the Family 3-Pack is the simplest way to stock up. You can also choose Subscribe & Save on the product page for 15% off and deliveries every 4, 8, 12 or 16 weeks. Skip or cancel anytime. Not sure how often you'll need it? See How Long Does a Tube of Toothpaste Last?
When to see your dental professional
Regular check-ups help your child get used to the dental chair and give you personalised advice on brushing, toothpaste and flossing. If brushing is consistently distressing for your child, or you notice anything that worries you about their teeth or mouth, book in with your dentist or Oral Health Therapist. The tips in this article are general information and aren't a substitute for advice about your own child.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my toddler to brush their teeth?
Keep it short, predictable and playful. Brush at the same times each day, sing a song, let them hold the brush first, then finish for them while they lie with their head in your lap.
At what age can kids brush their own teeth?
Children usually need an adult's help until around eight or nine years old, and supervision after that. Let them practise, but always check and finish off.
How long should kids brush their teeth for?
Two minutes, twice a day: in the morning and before bed. A timer, an app or a two-minute song makes it easier for children to know when they're done.
What if my child hates the taste of toothpaste?
Strong mint can feel "spicy" to kids. Try a milder flavour, use only a small amount, and ask your dental professional which toothpaste suits your child's age.
Should I use a sticker chart for brushing?
For many three to seven year olds, yes. Keep rewards small and non-food, and focus your praise on effort and cooperation.
One gentle toothpaste for the whole family
Flossy & Pure is a mild mint, fluoride-free nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste created by an Oral Health Therapist for families. Try a single tube or the Family 3-Pack.
Change your mind? Return it unopened within 30 days for a refund. Full terms.
Flossy & Pure toothpaste is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is general information only; please see your dental professional for advice about your child.