Oral hygiene products for children – how to encourage children to take – ZENT Dental Care

Brushing teeth is a daily routine that for many parents sometimes becomes a real battle. Your child grimaces at the sight of the toothbrush, cries during brushing, and you wonder how to make oral hygiene products for children a magnet, not a reason for arguments? The right tools can turn this ritual into a positive experience that the child will look forward to eagerly.

Why don't children like brushing their teeth?

Children naturally fear what they don't understand. Additionally, oral hygiene may seem unpleasant to them – foam in the mouth, strange taste of toothpaste, or the tickling sensation of the toothbrush bristles in the mouth. If you don't explain to the child why they are doing it, they will treat it as unnecessary torture.

Small children want to have an influence on their lives. When you impose tooth brushing on them without any choice, they feel helpless. That's why it's so important to give them a sense of decision-making – even in something as simple as choosing the color of the toothbrush.

How to choose the right products for a child?

Toothbrush – size matters

A children's toothbrush must be suited to the size of your little one's mouth. The head should be small – so it can easily reach the back teeth. The handle should be thick enough for little fingers to grip securely [1]. It's also worth taking care of its color features. Many good quality toothbrushes with patterns from your child's favorite cartoons are available on the market.

An electric toothbrush for children can be a great alternative, especially for those over 3 years old, provided there is parental supervision and adherence to the manufacturer's recommendations [2]. Gentle vibrations can be more effective than manual brushing. Additionally, electric toothbrushes often have nice designs and colors!

A good solution will be the sonic-rotary toothbrush ZENT® SoniQ+, which automatically performs correct movements and also has a special gentle mode useful at the beginning of the electric toothbrush journey.

Toothpaste – flavor is everything

The best toothpaste for children is the one your little one will actually want to use. Instead of mint, choose natural fruit flavors – e.g., strawberry, watermelon, or others, of course without added sugar. Children's toothpaste should contain fluoride, but in the right dose – 1000 ppm for children from 3 years old [3].

Additional accessories that make a difference

Colorful cups, small hourglasses measuring brushing time, or stickers with favorite characters – all of this makes children's oral hygiene a game, not a chore.

Mobile apps featuring cartoon characters that "count" brushed teeth and reward the child are especially effective. You can also buy a toothbrush that lights up for 2 minutes or plays a melody – a natural timer that ensures the child brushes long enough.

It's also worth considering a special "toothbrush holder" with a space just for your child. When a little one has their own corner in the bathroom, they feel important and responsible for their things.

Proven ways to encourage your child to brush their teeth

Turn brushing into fun

Create a "toothbrush playlist" with your child's favorite songs. Two minutes of brushing will pass faster to the rhythm of favorite tunes. You can also tell a story about "bad bacteria" that the toothbrush must defeat – your child's teeth will become a battlefield of good versus evil.

A reward system that works

Create a brushing calendar with colorful stickers. One sticker for each brushed tooth. After a week full of stickers – a small reward. It's simple and effective.

Be a role model

Children learn by imitation. Brush your teeth together with your child, showing how to do it properly. When they see you do it every day, they will understand that it is a normal part of the day.

The three most common mistakes parents make

Don't force a child to brush their teeth – it's the fastest way to discourage them. Instead, calmly explain why brushing children's teeth is important. Use simple words: "Teeth must be clean to be healthy and to last long for eating favorite things."

The second mistake is brushing a child's teeth right after eating sweets. Acids from bacteria weaken the enamel – it's better to wait 30-60 minutes or at least rinse the mouth with water first.

Don't give up on checking the tooth brushing technique either. Even an 8-year-old can hold the toothbrush incorrectly or skip the back part of the mouth. Regular checking and gentle correction is not control but care for health.

Effective oral hygiene in children is not only a matter of the right products but above all the right approach. When you turn daily brushing into a positive experience full of fun and understanding, your child will reach for the toothbrush on their own. Remember – how you build hygiene habits in childhood will pay off with your children's health throughout their lives.

Most frequently asked questions

When to start brushing a child's teeth?

From the first tooth, around the 6th month of life. At first, a gauze soaked in water is enough, then gradually introduce a silicone toothbrush.

How often should a child brush their teeth?

At least twice a day – in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bed. This is the basis of effective caries prevention.

Can a child use mouthwash?

Only from the age of 6, when the child learns to spit and not swallow the liquid. Before that, a toothbrush and toothpaste are enough.

When is the first visit to the dentist?

Preferably before the first year of life or within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth.

NOTES

[1] Dwimega, Arianne. "Pemilihan Sikat Gigi yang Sesuai dengan Usia Anak". Jurnal Kedokteran Gigi Terpadu, 2021.

[2] Davidovich, E. et al. "Randomised clinical study of plaque removal efficacy of an electric toothbrush in primary and mixed dentition". International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 2020.

[3] Parra-Hidalgo, Wendy Paola et al. "Optimal fluoride levels in pediatric toothpastes: A review of the literature". World Journal of Advanced Research, 2024.