you could both brush at the same time so that your child is doing it for the same length of time and also seeing your technique.

I followed my dentist’s advice and brushed my son’s teeth until he was eight, showing him the right movements. Of course, as soon as he could he helped and did his own brushing after I had finished. The reason behind this is that a child doesn’t have the capacity to brush their teeth properly until they are eight or thereabouts. My persistence paid off because he knows how to brush his teeth and the importance of good oral hygiene, plus he now has lovely teeth.

I also took my son to the dentist from the age of 3 so he wouldn’t be afraid of going to the dentist. He would lay on top of me while we went for a ride in the chair and the dentist would look in his mouth.

You’re the parent. Because I said so is a very valid statement to an 8 year old.

yeah maybe encourage rewards for things like brushing his teeth. do a chart up for him to tick off.

Make a game out of it too – fun can do wonders!

Why don’t you take him to the dentist and ask them to show him. Might give him a kick up the bum if a stranger tells him.

A novelty toothbrush and rewards chart can work wonders.

help and download the app

Thanks mums for your input.

Maybe try giving him a little bit of a hand to get the really tricky bits. I also agree with Kymichelle, who suggested that a trip to the dentist might help. My kids always get enthusiastic about cleaning their teeth for a while after a visit. The dentist will give them some good tips about how to brush their teeth properly.

Get some disclosing solution from the chemist & paint it on with a cotton bud, let your son stand in front of the mirror & brush his teeth until all the stained plague is gone.

Thanks ladies. Yes I might try an electric toothbrush. And what’s the app?

I found a battery operated toothbrush with a timer really helped my eldest two. They even have them that vibrate every 30 seconds to remind them to move to a different part of the mouth. Getting the dentist to talk to them always helps my kids too – they come home and brush properly AND floss after a dentist visit!

have you seen if there is a tooth brushing app to help