Babies/children | 20.2.2026
Brushing teeth with children – the secret to stress-free dental care
Many children dislike brushing their teeth – and for parents, the daily ritual quickly becomes a test of patience. Dr Martina Hartmann explains the COI method and provides motivational tips. Plus: is it worth taking out supplementary dental insurance for children?
When should children start to brush their teeth?
Children should have their teeth brushed as soon as their first milk tooth appears. This is their parents’ job. They should start with a finger toothbrush and move on to a soft children’s toothbrush once several teeth have come through. Infants use their mouth and tongue to explore the world – and you can take advantage of this to get them used to a toothbrush: after brushing your child’s teeth, allow them to have a go with the toothbrush themselves.
If your 18-month-old does not want you to brush their teeth, you can turn this activity into a fun game. Teeth brushing songs, rhymes or picture books are all useful aids. As your child gets older, you should brush your teeth together and show them how to use a toothbrush. Your child will soon want to try brushing their own teeth. Let them do so, but always re-brush them afterwards.
