Six Ways to Keep Your Child Brushing

Children have a lot on their minds—whether it’s choosing the right colour of construction paper, deciding where to draw the sun on their artwork, or gearing up for dodgeball. With so many priorities, it’s no surprise that brushing their teeth often falls to the bottom of the list.

Yet by age five, many children begin to show signs of tooth decay. According to the Canadian Dental Association, early childhood caries is one of the most common chronic diseases among children. And while the widely cited “51 million missed school hours” due to oral health issues originates from U.S. data, it still underscores the broader impact of poor dental habits on children’s well-being.

So how can parents make brushing more engaging and effective? Here are six creative strategies to help your child build lifelong oral hygiene habits:

1. Don’t Nag—Lead by Example

Nagging rarely works, especially when it comes to brushing. Instead, brush your own teeth alongside your child. Kids are natural mimics, and modeling good habits is one of the most powerful ways to influence their behavior. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that parents supervise and participate in brushing until at least age eight.

2. Make Brushing an Adventure

Brushing doesn’t have to be boring. Turn it into a game—like “Defeating the Cavity Monsters”—or let your child name each tooth to personalize the experience. These playful approaches help children associate brushing with fun rather than obligation. Research shows that positive reinforcement and imaginative play can significantly improve compliance with health routines in young children.

3. Use Short Videos to Encourage Brushing

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes, twice a day. To help your child stay engaged, play a short cartoon or music video during brushing time. Many toothbrush brands even offer free apps with timers and animations designed to make brushing more interactive.

4. Let Them Choose a Fun Toothbrush

A toothbrush with blinking lights, favorite characters, or sound effects can turn brushing into a highlight of the day. Pair it with a kid-friendly toothpaste in a fun flavor—just make sure it contains fluoride and is approved by the Canadian Dental Association. Avoid novelty products that lack proper dental benefits.

5. Build a Consistent Routine

Consistency is key. Missing even one day can send the message that brushing isn’t essential. Establish a twice-daily routine early on so it becomes second nature. According to Health Canada, early habits are critical for preventing cavities and promoting lifelong oral health.

6. Use Storytelling to Reinforce Habits

Children respond powerfully to stories. Share a personal tale about a dental visit that involved a filling or drill—not to scare them, but to illustrate the importance of brushing. Just be careful not to portray the dentist as a villain. At Accord Dental Clinic, we believe in building trust with children so they feel safe and supported during every visit.

How Accord Dental Clinic Supports Your Child’s Oral Health

At Accord Dental Clinic in Kitsilano, we take pride in helping children develop healthy brushing habits. Our team offers hands-on demonstrations, fun toothbrushes, and extra toothpaste to make dental care exciting. We’re committed to making every visit a positive experience for your child.

Ready to book your child’s next dental checkup? Contact us today or call 604-731-3800.