If brushing teeth feels like the moment everything falls apart, you’re not alone. For many families, it’s the flashpoint that turns calm mornings frantic, and relaxed evenings into negotiations, tears, or outright refusal.
It’s especially hard because brushing happens at the worst times of day: when everyone is tired, hungry, late, or already running on empty. Add strong flavours, sensory discomfort, and a child wanting control, and it’s no surprise routines unravel.
The important thing to know is this: this is very normal. Struggling with brushing does not mean you’re doing it wrong, and it does not mean your child is being difficult. It usually means the routine needs to feel easier, calmer, or more predictable.
Good brushing habits aren’t built through pressure or perfection. They’re built through repetition, reassurance, and routines that families can actually live with.
Below are our Top 10 Tips for making brushing feel less stressful and more manageable, whether you’re dealing with morning rushes, bedtime battles, or both.
Our Top 10 Tips for Calmer Brushing
- 1. Keep it predictable. Brushing at the same time each day reduces resistance.
- 2. Lower the bar. Short brushing is better than none.
- 3. Choose a gentle flavour. Comfort matters more than “grown-up” freshness.
- 4. Let them start. Control reduces pushback.
- 5. Avoid last-minute negotiations. Brushing works best when it’s expected.
- 6. Stay calm. Tone often matters more than technique.
- 7. Link it to another routine. Bath, pyjamas, storytime.
- 8. Praise effort, not results. Confidence builds consistency.
- 9. Don’t panic about missed brushes. Just return to the routine.
- 10. Think long-term. Habits form over years, not days.
Brushing doesn’t have to be perfect to be effective. It just has to be calm enough to happen again tomorrow.