The Importance Of Oral Hygiene
At Rising Stride we believe in nurturing every aspect of a child’s development, including those little teeth that create the biggest smiles. Good oral hygiene habits begin early and can have a lasting impact on a child’s health, confidence, and overall well-being. But we know that brushing can sometimes be a battle. So how do we support children, and their families to make caring for their teeth a positive, daily ritual.
Why Oral Hygiene Matters from Day One
Many parents are surprised to learn that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children under 5 in the US. According to HealthyChildren.org thousands of young children undergo hospital procedures each year due to preventable dental issues. And yet, with a few simple habits introduced early, we can help our children avoid pain, discomfort, and missed time from nursery or school. Beyond health, healthy teeth support:
- Speech development
- Clear eating habits and nutrition
- Confidence in social settings
- Readiness for school (children with toothache or poor oral health may struggle to concentrate or participate)
Registering with a Dentist: A Must, Not a Maybe
We encourage all parents to register their child with an dentist by their first birthday. Dentists are trained to work with young children and can spot any early issues before they become problems.
If you’re not sure where to start, local AAPD dental practices in Delaware County often accept new child patients, even if adult lists are closed. Find out what dental services are available on the AAPD, and how much dental treatment costs.
“But They Hate Brushing!” – How to Make It Work
It’s perfectly normal for children to resist brushing their teeth at first. The good news? With a little creativity, routine, and encouragement, most children will begin to see brushing as part of their daily rhythm. Here are some proven strategies we use in our nursery settings, and ones you can try at home too:
Parent-Approved Tips for Tooth Brushing Success
- Brush Together – Children love to copy grown-ups. Let them watch you brush your teeth, or better still, brush yours together in the mirror. Make it a shared routine, not a solo chore.
- Use a Tooth Brushing Song – There are lots of fun songs online (around 2 minutes long, the perfect brush time) or you can create your own. We sometimes use familiar tunes like Twinkle Twinkle with toothy lyrics!
- Turn It into a Game – “Let’s brush away the sugar monsters!” “Can you make your teeth sparkle brighter than mine?” Using playful language helps children stay engaged and builds a positive mindset around brushing.
- Let Them Choose the Toothbrush – A toothbrush with their favorite character or color makes them feel involved and excited. Electric toothbrushes with built-in lights or music can also be great motivators.
- Positive Praise – Even if it’s just a small success, like holding the toothbrush, acknowledge it with specific praise: “You did a brilliant job brushing your top teeth today!”
Activities to Try at Home and in Nursery
At Rising Stride, we use play-based activities to introduce healthy habits in a fun and non-pressured way. Here are a few ideas that can also be tried at home:
Toothbrush Painting Let your child use an old (clean) toothbrush and paint to make art. It’s a fun sensory activity and builds fine motor skills associated with brushing.
Brush the Toy’s Teeth Set up a role play corner where your child can brush a teddy’s or doll’s teeth. This helps desensitize them to the act and builds familiarity.
Playdough Teeth Cleaning Create a simple model mouth using playdough and pasta shells (for teeth). Give your child a brush to clean away “plaque” (bits of white rice or paper). A great one for older toddlers and preschoolers!
Story Time Books such as “Brush, Brush, Brush!” or “Alan’s Big Scary Teeth” are lovely ways to start conversations about dental hygiene and open the door to new routines.
Our Role at Rising Stride
As part of our holistic approach, we support children in becoming independent with their self-care, brushing included. Through our School Readiness programs, we encourage good hygiene habits as part of daily routines, preparing children not just for school, but for life. We also partner with parents to ensure a consistent message between home and nursery. If you’re struggling with your child’s oral hygiene, speak to your child’s key person, we’re here to help with tailored ideas and support.