Should you supervise your children when brushing their teeth?

There’s nothing quite like seeing your child smiling up at you. We know you want that smile to stay bright for many years to come, and we want that too. According to NHS experts, a good way for parents to do this is to supervise the cleaning process – but is that really necessary? As experts in family dentistry, we’re here to discuss why overseeing your child when they brush can make such a big difference to their oral health.

Why do children need supervision when cleaning their teeth?

While it’s great to give your child a chance to be independent, our twenty years of experience have shown us that children need a little extra guidance when it comes to their teeth. As adults, we can appreciate the importance of dental health – your child, however, might not grasp how crucial it is. Any parent knows all too well that children aren’t opposed to telling the occasional fib, so taking their word that they’ve cleaned their teeth can be tricky. Watching your child brush helps you make sure they’re taking care of their oral health.

But it isn’t just about making sure they’re cleaning their teeth – it’s important that they clean them properly. Supervising your child means that you know they’re brushing for the full two minutes, using the right techniques and the right amount of toothpaste every time. It also means you can see if they are cleaning thoroughly, including areas like the molars.

Your child will be looking after their smile for the rest of their life, so it helps to start building good habits early. Why not try cleaning your teeth alongside them? This sets a great example and gives them a chance to see the right methods for brushing.

What can happen to your child’s teeth without proper brushing?

A lot of people are guilty of thinking that because baby teeth will inevitably fall out, they don’t matter, but they couldn’t be more wrong! When a child loses a baby tooth prematurely, it can create a knock-on effect for the adult teeth. This can include issues like crowding and misalignment that may require treatment to correct. Baby teeth also play a key role in speech development and jaw strength, both areas that could affect your child long into adulthood.

Whether your child has all baby teeth or has already gotten some of their permanent teeth, proper cleaning is a must. When plaque isn’t properly removed, it leads to a long list of problems, starting with tooth decay and gum disease and spiralling towards infections, tooth loss, and even bone loss in the most severe cases.

There are also more emotional reasons to keep your child’s teeth in good shape. As dentists, we hear so many adult patients talk about how their teeth have affected their self-esteem. With 22.4% of 5-year-olds in England showing obvious signs of tooth decay in 2024, taking the time to make sure your child is properly looking after their teeth is an investment in their future oral health and confidence.

How else can you help your child?

Supervising your child as they brush their teeth is a great way of making sure their smile is looked after, but there are other things you can do too!

A big way you can help is by keeping an eye on their diet. If you left them to it, most children would probably live on junk food. They might thank you in the moment, but their teeth wouldn’t. Things like fizzy drinks, crisps, or sweets weaken the enamel of your child’s teeth, meaning that moderation is key. Encouraging alternatives like milk, rice cakes, or dark chocolate helps to establish healthier eating patterns and keep your child’s smile strong. Your instinct might be to jump straight to fruit, but remember – though they’re great nutritionally, the natural acids and sugars can still cause tooth decay. We recommend offering fruit mindfully or choosing low-sugar options like raspberries and bananas.

You can also protect your child’s teeth by ensuring that they’re drinking enough. Saliva in the mouth helps to wash away food particles, providing essential minerals and preventing dry mouth. When your child is dehydrated and saliva production is reduced, bacteria and acids build up and lead to problems like gum disease. Letting your child choose a water bottle they like can make drinking water more fun and appealing, and also gives you the chance to track their consumption.

Do you have concerns or questions about your child’s teeth? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. As a leading Blackburn dentist, we know how stressful dental work can be for children, but when you choose us, it doesn’t have to be. At AP Smilecare, we’re dedicated to providing patient-focused care, and we work hard to create a relaxing and reassuring experience for your child. With over 20 years of experience and a 5* client satisfaction rating, we’re the perfect choice for anyone seeking premium family dentistry. Together, we can keep your child’s smile happy and healthy!

If you’re looking for a dentist in Blackburn, you can have a look at our website or even give one of our friendly team members a call on 01254 297 000 today!