Little liars!
Published
Thousands of young children in the UK admit they’ve lied to parents about brushing their teeth, according to new research from Bupa Dental Care! In the survey of 1000 parents and children age 3-10 years, more than half (56 per cent) of kids admitted telling a porkie over their brushing habits, highlighting the daily brushing battles thousands of families face.
Now, a leading dentist is warning that the impact of rushed routines can be drastic. And tooth decay remains one of the leading causes of hospital admissions among young children in England.
Dr Neil Sikka, director of dentistry at Bupa Dental Care, says: ‘Tooth decay is still a leading cause of hospital admissions for young children, yet many of the habits that influence oral health are formed at a very young age. When brushing feels rushed or stressful, and children don’t know what to expect at the dentist, anxiety can quickly build.’
‘Helping children feel calm, prepared and confident, both at home and in the dental chair, plays a crucial role in building positive habits that protect long term oral health.’
The study found that just over two in five kids (41 per cent) brush for a minute or less, despite guidance to brush for two minutes, twice a day, and 13 per cent of children feel anxious about visiting the dentist. For many families, brushing teeth is a familiar point of tension. Nearly half of parents (46 per cent) worry their children are not brushing properly.
When brushing feels rushed or becomes a battle, it can also affect how children feel about visiting the dentist. Parental anxiety also plays a role. Nearly one in five children say a parent’s nerves make them feel more anxious, while nearly 1 in 4 of parents admit they feel nervous too!
The data shows that reading stories with children can play an important role in helping them manage worries and understand their feelings. More than 9 in 10 parents believe story time can help children deal with fears or anxieties. In response, Bupa Dental Care has partnered with award-winning author Jennifer Gray, and dad of three and JLS singer Aston Merrygold, to launch a new children’s storybook and audiobook, The Dentist’s Apprentice. It follows an anxious crocodile through a step-by-step dental visit, helping children feel informed, reassured and in control.
Voice of The Dentist Apprentice, Aston Merrygold shares his top tips for beating dental nerves
- Use music to make brushing fun
Getting kids to brush for the full two minutes can be tricky, so try playing their favourite song while they brush.
- Chat about any worries
If your child feels nervous about the dentist, encourage them to talk about it. Sometimes simply explaining what will happen can make things feel far less scary.
- Keep dental visits regular
The more familiar children are with the dentist, the less intimidating it becomes. Regular check-ups can help make appointments feel like a normal part of life rather than something to worry about.
- Set the tone yourself
Kids pick up on how adults talk about things, so try to keep conversations about the dentist positive and relaxed. If you stay calm, they’re more likely to feel reassured too.
- Celebrate the small wins
Whether it’s brushing without fuss or getting through an appointment, a little praise can go a long way. Building positive memories around dental care can help boost confidence over time.
Families can download the story and listen at www.bupa.co.uk
