5 Common Brushing Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Fix Them)

5 Common Brushing Mistakes Parents Make (And How to Fix Them)

Every parent wants their child to grow up with a healthy, confident smile. But even with the best intentions, brushing routines can sometimes go wrong. From using the wrong toothpaste to rushing the process, small mistakes can make a big difference to your child’s oral health.

At Islington Smiles, we see hundreds of families every year, and we know that most brushing problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

In this guide, we’ll explore the five most common brushing mistakes parents make, along with simple, dentist-approved ways to correct them.

1. Letting Children Brush Alone Too Early

It’s great to encourage independence, but many parents hand over the toothbrush too soon. Most children don’t have the dexterity to brush effectively until they’re around 7 years old. Before that, they’ll likely miss important areas, especially the back molars and gum line.

The NHS advises that parents should supervise brushing until at least age 7 to make sure every tooth is cleaned properly.

How to fix it:

• Let your child brush first, then go over their teeth yourself.
• Use a mirror so they can see what you’re doing.
• Turn it into a learning moment rather than a correction.

2. Using the Wrong Toothpaste or Too Much of It

Fluoride is essential for preventing decay, but toothpaste strength matters. Many parents unknowingly use non-fluoride or low-fluoride toothpaste, which doesn’t offer enough protection. Others use too much, causing children to swallow excess fluoride.

How to fix it:

• For under 3s: use a smear of toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm fluoride.
• For 3-6 year olds: use a pea-sized amount with 1,000-1,500 ppm fluoride.
• From 7 onwards: use standard adult toothpaste (1,350-1,500 ppm).

Check NHS guidelines on toothpaste here.

If you’re unsure which toothpaste is right for your child, the team at Islington Smiles can recommend one during their children’s dental check-up.

3. Rushing the Brushing Routine

Children have short attention spans, we know that! But brushing too quickly is one of the biggest causes of cavities in young patients. Two minutes can feel like a long time, yet that’s the minimum needed to reach every surface.

How to fix it:

• Play a two minute song or use a brushing app to keep it fun.
• Use an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer.
• Brush together, children are more likely to copy your habits.

The recommendation is to brush for two minutes twice a day, morning and night.

At Islington Smiles, we often show kids how to brush properly during appointments — making it interactive and engaging so they remember the technique at home.

4. Forgetting to Replace Toothbrushes Regularly

Worn out toothbrushes don’t clean effectively. Frayed bristles can even be harsh on gums. Yet many families forget to replace toothbrushes as often as needed.

How to fix it:

• Replace toothbrushes or brush heads every 3-4 months.
• Always replace them sooner if bristles look frayed.
• After illness, consider swapping brushes to avoid reinfection.

Small detail, big difference, fresh brushes mean cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

5. Brushing Right After Eating

It might sound like a good idea, but brushing immediately after meals, especially after acidic foods or drinks, can actually damage enamel. The acid temporarily softens enamel, and brushing too soon can wear it away.

How to fix it:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after meals before brushing.
• Encourage rinsing with water instead if brushing isn’t possible.
• Save the evening brush for just before bedtime.

The British Dental Association advises waiting before brushing after acidic foods to protect enamel.

Bonus Tip: Make Brushing Fun

Consistency is everything when it comes to oral health. If brushing feels like a chore, children are less likely to stick with it. Try these tips:

• Turn brushing into a game, who can make the most bubbles?
• Use reward charts or stickers for consistent brushing.
• Let your child choose their toothbrush or toothpaste flavour.
• Celebrate “toothbrushing milestones” for positive reinforcement.

At Islington Smiles, our team believes that positive dental experiences start at home. Making oral care fun helps children form healthy habits that last a lifetime.

How the Islington Smiles Team Supports Parents

Led by Dr Marisa Monteiro, our dentists and hygienists are passionate about children’s oral health. We take the time to show both kids and parents the best brushing techniques during every visit.

Learn more about our hygiene services and how they support children’s dentistry.

Our goal isn’t just to clean teeth, it’s to educate families so that oral health becomes a simple, stress free part of everyday life.

When to Book a Dental Visit

Even with perfect brushing habits, children should see a dentist every six months. Regular visits help catch small problems early, preventing cavities and future discomfort.

If your child hasn’t been to the dentist in a while, now’s the perfect time to start. We create a friendly, reassuring environment where kids feel relaxed and confident, even if it’s their first time in the chair.

Schedule an appointment through our Contact Page.

Small Fixes, Big Results

When it comes to children’s teeth, little changes make a big impact. Avoiding these five common brushing mistakes can dramatically improve your child’s oral health, saving them from unnecessary discomfort later in life.

At Islington Smiles, we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for brushing advice, fluoride treatments, or regular check-ups, our team provides gentle, professional care for your whole family. Your child’s smile deserves the very best start, and it all begins with brushing the right way.