Children's tooth brushing: How to encourage children to brush

Why a child refuses to brush their teeth

If your child or toddler refuses to brush their teeth, a mix of developmental, physical or sensory reasons may explain why. Possible triggers to explore include:

• Sensory overload: A strong toothpaste flavour, unfamiliar texture, pressure on the gums or even the sound of a toothbrush moving across the teeth can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming.
• Need for control: Some children dislike supervised tooth brushing because they want more independence or control over what happens in their mouth.
• Boredom: They may find toothbrushing boring, feel that it takes too long or dislike having to repeat the same routine every morning and night.
• Teething: If your toddler hates brushing their teeth and is teething, tender or sore gums can make brushing feel uncomfortable.¹
• Tiredness: Brushing when your child is overtired can make cooperation harder, especially at the end of a long day.

If your child refuses to brush teeth persistently, or brushing appears painful, speak to their dentist rather than pushing through discomfort. A dentist can check for dental problems and advise on your child's individual needs.

Children’s toothbrushing: Why it’s important

Good oral health care starts as soon as your child’s first teeth come in, helping to protect their teeth and gums as they grow. This means brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes, making sure all tooth surfaces are cleaned.²

If your child won’t brush their teeth or refuses to let you help, a simple explanation can make the routine feel less like a rule and more like something they understand. Try saying:

“Brushing helps clean away the tiny bits of food and sugar that can stick to your teeth. When we brush them away, we help keep your teeth strong, clean and ready for smiling, talking and eating.”

You could also turn the explanation into a story. For example, some parents talk about “sugar bugs” that like to cling to teeth after snacks and meals, with the toothbrush acting as the superhero that sweeps them away. You can learn more in our dedicated sugar bug guide.

How to get toddlers to brush their teeth

If your child or toddler hates brushing their teeth, these gentle, practical ideas may help make brushing time feel easier:

• Make toothbrushing fun. Children are often more willing to join in when brushing feels playful rather than pressured. Try playing a favourite two-minute song, using a sand or egg timer, or turning brushing into a simple challenge.

Tip: The Philips Sonicare for Kids Smart toothbrush connects with the Philips Sonicare for Kids app, so children can brush alongside Sparkly, their brushing buddy. Visual coaching, challenges and rewards can give them a clear activity to follow, while stickers let them personalise their brush.

• Try brushing teeth together. Brush alongside your child so they can copy you, or let them “brush” the teeth of a favourite toy before you brush theirs. This can make the routine feel more familiar and less one-sided.
• Change the tools. If taste, texture, or discomfort seems to be the issue, try a milder toothpaste or a different toothbrush. The Sonicare for Kids toothbrush has a kid-sized brush head and two gentle brushing modes designed for comfortable brushing.
• Praise participation. Notice and praise small wins, such as opening their mouth, holding the brush or trying for a few seconds longer. You can also incorporate a toothbrushing chart into the routine so they can add a sticker each time they brush.
• Stay calm if they resist. If your child or toddler hates brushing their teeth, avoid turning the routine into a punishment. Keep your tone calm, reset if needed, and return to a simple, familiar approach.

For parents searching for how to encourage toddlers to brush their teeth with their help, sharing the job can give toddlers a sense of control while still making sure their teeth are cleaned properly. With the “I do, you do” method, let your toddler hold the brush first, then say it’s the grown-up’s turn to finish. Young children always need adult help or supervision to make sure their teeth are brushed effectively.

Children’s tooth brushing action plan by age

As your child grows, their brushing routine will change too. Use this age-by-age action plan as a simple guide to how much help they may need, what kind of toothpaste to use and how to build their confidence over time.³

• Babies and toddlers:
  • Start brushing as soon as the first teeth appear, usually at around 6 months.
  • Use a small smear of fluoride toothpaste on a baby toothbrush.
  • Parents or carers should do the brushing, keeping the routine gentle, short and reassuring.

• Ages 3 to 5:
  • Children can generally start using an electric toothbrush from around age 3,⁴ such as one from Philips Sonicare for Kids.
  • Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Brush in front of a mirror so your child can see what is happening and start learning the brushing motions.
  • Use timers, songs or reward charts to make two minutes feel more manageable and encourage consistency.
  • Let them practice brushing themselves, then help finish the job so all tooth surfaces are cleaned properly.

• Age 6 and up:
  • Children can begin taking more ownership of brushing, such as starting the timer, following a chart or remembering the morning and bedtime routine.
  • Supervised tooth brushing should continue until you are confident they can brush thoroughly for about two minutes and reach every tooth surface on their own.

Child won’t brush teeth: FAQs

How long should children brush their teeth?

About two minutes, twice a day.⁵ Children should brush last thing at night before bed and on at least one other occasion (usually first thing the next morning). The exact amount and fluoride concentration of toothpaste depends on age, so check current NHS guidance or ask your dentist.

How can you make brushing teeth fun?

Try incorporating a two-minute song, a timer, brushing teeth together or a morning-and-evening sticker chart into their routine. Keep the activity positive without making successful brushing dependent on a large reward.

Should parents supervise children brushing their teeth?

Yes, parents or carers should brush younger children's teeth and supervise as they learn. Children aged six and over may be able to brush independently,³ but it is still a good idea to watch until they are brushing properly for about two minutes.

When a child won't brush teeth, progress may come from small changes rather than one perfect trick. Keep children's tooth brushing predictable, give your child manageable choices and stay involved while their skills develop. Whether you use a reward chart, 2-minute timer, or brushing with Sparkly to motivate your child, the aim is the same: ensure twice-daily brushing becomes a familiar part of your child’s routine while keeping the experience as calm and positive as you can.

Sources 

¹Baby teething symptoms, NHS 

²How to take care of your baby or toddler's teeth, NHS 

³Guide to Looking after your Child’s Teeth, Alder Hey Children’s 

⁴Are Electric Toothbrushes Safe for Kids, LI Pediatric Dentistry 

⁵Children's teeth, NHS