What Happens When Kids Don't Brush Their Teeth?
Kids skip brushing more than most parents realize. So what happens when kids don’t brush their teeth - is it really that big of a deal? Although missing a night here and there may seem harmless, plaque takes ZERO days off.
Within hours of brushing, bacteria start producing acids that eat through tooth enamel and pave the way for cavities. The CDC says tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children across the entire US, and most of that comes back to brushing.1
Tooth decay is just one reason you must instill the importance of good oral hygiene in your kiddo. We’ll explain all that could happen to kids who don’t brush their teeth below and share strategies to get your child back on track.
Key Takeaways
- Plaque starts making enamel-damaging acids within hours of a missed brushing.
- 1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth.1
- Other consequences of kids not brushing teeth include bad breath, gum bleeding/recession, and visible staining.
- The fix is super simple - brush twice a day with a toothpaste that actually removes plaque.
- LIVFRESH Kids+ Toothpaste is clinically proven to outperform leading ADA alternatives.
What Happens When Kids Don't Brush Their Teeth?
The consequences are small at first. Stinky breath, noticeable gunk in their teeth, perhaps even some sensitivity. But here’s what happens when kids don’t brush their teeth consistently enough in the long run.
Bad Breath
This is one you notice right away - your child’s morning breath lingering into the afternoon. It’s a dead giveaway they didn’t brush their teeth that morning.
Bacteria make sulfur compounds as they break down the food particles stuck on teeth and along the tongue. Those compounds just build up more and more if they’re not brushed away.
Tooth Decay
Sugars and starches linger in the mouth after your child eats or drinks anything. The bacteria in plaque feed on those, and acid is produced as a byproduct. Those acids can eat through tooth enamel.
This is especially problematic on baby teeth because the enamel is so much thinner. But, you could make the case it’s more of a concern on permanent teeth because those are there to stay. Either way, a child who regularly skips brushing gives those acids more time to wreak havoc.
Failing to brush on a consistent schedule is ultimately what leads to cavities. Even the best toothpaste for cavities is useless if it isn’t being put to work twice a day!
Gum Problems
Plaque doesn’t just sit on your enamel. It collects along the gum line and can irritate soft tissue. That’s why kids who don’t brush their teeth consistently end up with red, puffy, bleeding gums. That pink in the sink when they brush or floss is a sign that oral care has been neglected.
You can help reduce further irritation by getting your child the best SLS-free toothpaste, since these formulas tend to be gentler. But again, the toothpaste has to actually get used to do its job!
Tooth Staining
The pigment from food and drinks is attracted to the film of plaque that sits on your child’s teeth. Juice, berries, sauces, and certain cereals are more liable to stain teeth that haven’t been brushed. Those pigments just have more time to ingrain themselves in the tooth surface if your child isn’t brushing twice a day.
This one matters because it’s connected to your child’s self-confidence. They won’t care until they head off to school and start making friends - and, unfortunately, start to experience how children tease one another. A yellow, gunk-filled smile impacts how they feel about themselves.
Why Are Kids So Against Brushing Their Teeth?
You can see that what happens when kids don’t brush their teeth is a big deal. Even if your child is old enough to understand some of these consequences, they may resist brushing. We can usually trace the issue back to a handful of things.
Tooth or Gum Sensitivity
Some children genuinely don’t like the way brushing feels. Baby teeth are more sensitive, and if they’ve not taken good care of their oral hygiene, gum sensitivity will be a concern as well. But it’s a vicious cycle. The only way to overcome sensitivity is by restoring order in the oral cavity!
You can help in the meantime by switching to a softer brush and rethinking your child’s toothpaste. Certain formulas (even kids’ formulas) can contain harsh abrasives and foaming agents like SLS. The best toothpaste for sensitive teeth can make a world of difference.
They Hate Their Toothpaste
Strong minty flavors are off-putting for kids. So are those abrasives and intense foaming agents we just talked about. Even if they aren’t sensitive, they might just flat out hate the toothpaste they’ve used. You just need to find something they can tolerate - or potentially even enjoy using.
LIVFRESH has come up with a one-of-a-kind Kids formula that actually works - and kids look forward to using it! The pink bubblegum flavor and low-foam texture are really accessible. The main ingredient (Activated Edathamil) is backed by 40 patents and 40 clinical studies showing it can remove plaque up to 250% better than a leading ADA alternative. It’s safe if swallowed, too.
They Don’t Understand Why It’s Important
Communication is so critical with children. If you don’t tell them what happens when kids don’t brush their teeth, how can you possibly expect them to care?
But simply saying they could get cavities or gum recession isn’t enough to convince them. You need to really break it down and talk about how painful it can be to have a dentist drilling into their teeth or pulling a tooth out. Explain how much dental work costs, and how they won’t be able to do as much fun stuff if you have to pay a bunch of money at the dentist.
It kind of sounds like using fear tactics, and maybe it is to some degree. But it’s all true. Good oral hygiene is incredibly important, and they need to know that!
Tips to Get Your Child in a Better Oral Health Routine
Kids who don’t brush their teeth once in a while aren’t destined for the dental chair. Consistency is what matters most. Here are some things you can do:
- Let them choose: Encourage them to pick their own toothbrush color and style. You should select their toothpaste, though, since you know best.
- Set a timer: Ideally one with sand because it’s more interactive. You can also look into timer apps.
- Brush with them: They look up to you, and you can set a really good example for them early on.
- Make it non-negotiable: You may have to put real consequences in place if you catch them not brushing their teeth.
- Praise the effort: Just as you punish the bad habit, you must reward the good behavior.
Learning how to prevent plaque build-up starts with making brushing something your child does without thinking about it. So, take the next step today and upgrade their oral health regimen with LIVFRESH - the best dentist-recommended toothpaste on the market!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are three signs of poor dental hygiene in a child?
Bad breath, visible staining, complaints of a fuzzy feeling on teeth. Gum sensitivity/bleeding is another telltale sign.
What age should I stop brushing my child's teeth?
Most dentists say around the age of 5-7. Once your kid can tie their own shoes.
What happens if a child doesn't brush their teeth?
Plaque builds up and wreaks havoc - persistent bad breath, tooth decay, staining, and gum issues.
Why do children hate brushing their teeth?
It’s usually the flavor or texture of their toothpaste. Or they may not fully understand what happens when kids don’t brush their teeth.
My 10-year-old won't brush their teeth. What can I do to encourage them to do it?
Make it fun. That’s the best advice we have to offer. Kids hate chores. This might mean letting them choose their toothbrush, looking into apps that help them brush better, or providing incentives.
Are there any alternatives to brushing my kid's teeth?
Nothing replaces brushing. Mouthwash and dental wipes are better than nothing, but kids who don’t brush their teeth are at risk of developing real oral health complications. The AAPD recommends brushing twice a day as the standard for all children.2
Related Resources
How to Remove Plaque on Teeth at Home | Best Remineralizing Toothpaste
References
- "Children's Oral Health." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC.gov
- "Periodicity of Examination, Preventive Dental Services, Anticipatory Guidance/Counseling, and Oral Treatment for Infants, Children, and Adolescents." American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. AAPD.org
