Life

Ask the Dentist: You need a few tricks up your sleeve to get teens to brush their teeth

Dentist Lucy Stock of Gentle Dental Care in Belfast says that if you think it's tough to get young children to brush their teeth, wait 'til they hit adolescence

Kids can be reluctant to clean their teeth but savvy parents can use psychology to get them to brush up
Kids can be reluctant to clean their teeth but savvy parents can use psychology to get them to brush up Kids can be reluctant to clean their teeth but savvy parents can use psychology to get them to brush up

AS A mum of three I’m more than aware of how challenging it is to achieve the holy grail of clean children with clean teeth. I have personal experience of the trick of the electric toothbrush being switched on but not put in the mouth, the toothbrush refusals and blatant big fat whoppers when asked if they have brushed their teeth. These types of behaviours get even more exacerbated when children hit adolescence.

A Gallup survey recently revealed that only 64 percent of kids age 12 to 17 brush the recommended two times a day. Two per cent, the poll found, don't brush at all.

When teens hit puberty, it is no surprise that habits slip. It's a period of massive change, asserting independence and extremes of behaviour. It can be an anxious time for parents as they want the best for their child’s teeth in the long term.

Though each teenager is different, there are a few good strategies that apply across the board. Offer positive suggestions instead of an exhaustive list of things not to do. Avoid hovering; constantly monitoring teens can push them farther from the sink. Try not to engage in a full-scale argument if the “I’m not going to brush my teeth” statement is used. The more they think that this will wind you up the more it will be used.

Make your life easier by not buying in sugary drinks and snacks so that they

are more likely to choose a healthier option. Also, electric toothbrushes really do work better so when the toothbrush is used the teeth will be left cleaner. You don't need to spend a fortune – the super-cheap electric children's toothbrushes are really good.

Teens and their looks – I need say no more. Use this to your advantage by stressing how attractive a healthy smile can be and how fresh breath can never be overrated.

Similarly, feed off the feeling of independence, instil the idea of it being their body to look after and they only get one set of adult teeth so it's up to them to make them last for the next 80 or so years.

Avoid threats of taking them to the dentist as punishment, which can create an unfounded fear of the dentist and instil a dread of dental treatments. Agreeing with parents goes against many teenagers' inner core so dental check-ups can be pivotal.

If your teen refuses to brush then they will eventually experience the consequences. When someone sees a rotten tooth in their mouth or feels toothache then often the penny drops and habits change.