More than two in three (68 per cent) of us say it’s our mum who taught us how to brush our teeth as a child while findings showed that we’re almost four times as likely to be a self-taught brusher (18 per cent) as have been taught by our father (5 per cent). Learning how to brush our teeth at school or being taught by a sibling completed the list.
The survey also revealed less than half (45 per cent) of parents teach their children how to brush their teeth before the age of two, with one in four (23 per cent) showing them the dental ropes between two and five years old.
The importance of good oral health habits at an early age is illustrated by the level of childhood tooth decay in the United Kingdom. A recent report by the Health & Social Care Information Centre identified 12 per cent of three year olds suffer from visible tooth decay, with more than one in four (27 per cent) five year olds suffering with the same problem.
Further research has demonstrated that one in three 12 year olds and less than half (46 per cent) of 15 year olds show signs of obvious dental decay, highlighting the need for mum’s early intervention.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Nigel Carter OBE, explained why it is so important for mums to be vigilant when it comes to their child’s oral health.
Nigel said: “Your child’s oral health plays a key part in their early years’ wellbeing, and your help and support will go a long way to ensuring they remain on the right path. Numerous studies have shown that children who learn good habits early are far more likely to carry them into adulthood and the ability to pick up a solid oral health routine is no different.
“The British Dental Health Foundation stresses that from an early age all children should visit the dentist so they get used to the sights and surroundings. We believe parents are the first line of education when it comes to teaching children good oral health practices.
“Ensure that cleaning your baby’s teeth becomes part of their daily hygiene routine. As a parent you may find it easier to stand or sit behind your baby, cradling their chin in your hand so you can reach their top and bottom teeth more easily. When the first teeth start to come through, try using a children’s toothbrush with a small smear of toothpaste. Once all the teeth have come through, use a small-headed soft toothbrush in small circular movements and try to concentrate on one section at a time.
“Make sure you are supervising their brushing until they reach seven. The most important point to emphasise is that your child brushes for the full two minutes, as children are often renowned for their short attention spans so this may require more observation. It will help their development if you use a toothbrush with a small, medium soft head on it and should brush their teeth using a pea-sized blob of fluoride toothpaste. All children over the age of three should use toothpaste with a fluoride level that contains 1,350-1,500ppm (parts per million). Toothpaste fluoride levels for the under three’s should have 1,000ppm plus, take your dentist’s advice. Encourage your child to spit out any toothpaste and not to rinse after brushing.”
The survey, commissioned by the British Dental Health Foundation, ahead of the UK’s largest oral health campaign, National Smile Month, aims to address the UK’s attitudes and behaviours towards their oral health.
National Smile Month has the backing of some of the nation’s biggest household names including platinum sponsors Oral-B, Invisalign and Wrigley. The charity campaign is also supported by Philips, Denplan and Tepe.