Children, Lifestyle, Oral Care, Toothbrushes

Children's Oral Hygiene: Top Parent Tips for Healthy Teeth

Jan 31, 2025

February is Children’s Dental Health Care Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on the importance of oral hygiene for kids.

At Ordo, we’re committed to helping parents prevent common issues like tooth decay in children, by making oral care simple and enjoyable.

Our partnership with the Dental Wellness Trust allows us to further this mission, supporting efforts to promote oral health education and provide care to underserved communities.

With tooth decay being the most common chronic condition among children - and largely preventable - Ordo is dedicating this month to sharing expert advice, practical tips, and the best tools to support healthy smiles. Throughout the month and beyond, we’ll be sharing expert insights from dentists and parents on our website and social channels, building on this article with even more practical advice to support your family's oral health.

Understanding tooth decay in kids

Tooth decay affects one in four children in the UK, and rates rise to over 40% in some areas [1]. Even among three-year-olds, over 11% have visible tooth decay, with an average of three teeth affected [2]. These statistics underscore the urgent need for better oral health education and habits.

Poor oral health doesn’t just lead to bad teeth in kids - it affects their overall well-being. Children with untreated tooth decay often experience pain, disrupted sleep, missed school days, and challenges with speech development. Alarmingly, nearly 90% of hospital tooth extractions in children under five are due to preventable decay [3].

The good news? With the right techniques, tools, and habits, parents can help their kids avoid these issues and enjoy healthy teeth for life.

When to start brushing baby teeth

Many parents wonder: when should I start brushing my baby’s teeth? The answer is simple—oral care begins at birth.

For babies:

Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe your baby’s gums after feeding to remove milk residue.
As soon as the first tooth erupts, introduce a baby toothbrush with soft bristles and a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride, as recommended by the NHS.
Regular dental check-ups are also key - children should visit the dentist as soon as their first milk teeth appear to ensure early monitoring and preventive care.

For toddlers and older kids:

From age 3 to 6, increase this to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste while continuing to supervise brushing.
Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, focusing on all tooth surfaces for two minutes.
Supervise your child’s brushing until at least age 7 to ensure proper technique and to prevent them from swallowing toothpaste. The NHS also recommends that children receive a fluoride varnish application at least twice a year from age 3 onwards to provide extra protection against decay.
You can begin flossing once your children's teeth start to touch. While water flossers can be helpful, the NHS recommends traditional flossing or interdental brushes for simple, effective cleaning - consult your dentist for the best approach.

How to get kids to brush their teeth

Getting your child to brush their teeth can feel like a challenge, especially if they resist. But there are ways to make it more fun.

Turn brushing into a game: Use apps, brushing charts, songs, or a two-minute timer to make the routine more engaging.
Reward systems: Celebrate consistency with small incentives, like stickers or extra playtime.
Lead by example: Children mimic their parents, so brush your teeth alongside them to set a positive example.
Choose exciting products: Kid-friendly tools, like Ordo’s Squishmallows electric toothbrush, can make brushing feel less like a chore and more enjoyable.

How to brush toddler teeth properly

For toddlers who resist brushing, here are some gentle ways to encourage cooperation:

Offer choices, like letting them pick their toothbrush or toothpaste flavour.
Sing a song or tell a story while brushing to keep them entertained.
Use a gentle approach and explain the importance of brushing in simple terms.
If all else fails, take turns—let them “help” you brush your teeth before you do theirs.

What about whitening kids’ teeth?

Parents often ask about how to safely whiten kids’ teeth. The truth is, children’s teeth are naturally more yellow than adult teeth due to thinner enamel. Whitening products designed for adults are too harsh for children’s developing teeth and should be avoided.

Instead, focus on prevention and natural methods:

Limit sugary and acidic foods that cause stains.
Encourage regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, ensuring children spit out excess toothpaste without rinsing to allow fluoride to protect their teeth longer. This 'spit, don’t rinse' method is recommended by the NHS as it helps fluoride remain on the teeth for longer, strengthening enamel and preventing decay.
Offer crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and carrots - they act as natural scrubbers.

The role of diet in oral hygiene for kids

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in protecting child dental health. Here’s a quick guide to the best and worst foods for your child’s teeth:

Smile-friendly foods:

Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yoghurt are rich in calcium, which strengthens enamel.
Crunchy fruits and veggies: Apples, celery, and carrots promote saliva production, which neutralises harmful acids.
Nuts and seeds: These are full of essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium.

Foods to enjoy in moderation:

Sticky sweets like sours, toffee or gummy bears.
Fizzy drinks and sugary juices - aim to limit these to mealtimes and encourage drinking water or milk instead.
Starchy snacks, such as crisps, which break down into sugars and cling to teeth.

The best kids’ electric toothbrushes and water flossers

Using the right tools can transform oral care from a chore into an enjoyable activity.

Electric toothbrushes for kids: Research shows that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes. Ordo’s Squishmallows electric toothbrush is specifically designed for kids, featuring soft bristles and built-in timers to ensure proper brushing.
Water flossers for kids: While water flossers can be helpful for children with braces or those who struggle with traditional flossing, they should not replace flossing with interdental brushes or regular floss, as recommended by the NHS. Some water flossers are designed specifically for children but many models, including Ordo’s, are better suited for adults despite being approved for use by kids over the age of eight. Parents should always consult with their child’s dentist to determine the best flossing approach for their needs.

Pro Tip: Start by introducing these tools as “toys” to build curiosity and excitement around oral care.

Building lifelong habits

Teaching kids how to brush their teeth properly is an investment in their future health. At Ordo, we partner with trusted organisations like the Dental Wellness Trust to ensure that our advice and products are backed by professionals who are dedicated to improving children's oral health.

By focusing on early education, positive reinforcement, and the right products, parents can set their children up for a lifetime of good habits, effective routines and healthy smiles.

So please explore Ordo’s range of child-friendly oral care products and let's make oral care a fun and rewarding part of your child’s daily routine, and don’t forget to follow our social channels for expert tips to make oral care even easier.

References

Office for Health Improvement & Disparities. "One in four children in the UK has tooth decay, and in some areas, this figure rises to over 40%."
Public Health England. "Even among three-year-olds, over 11% have visible tooth decay, with an average of three teeth affected."
Office for Health Improvement & Disparities. "Nearly 90% of hospital tooth extractions in children under five are due to preventable decay."