Boy enjoying washing his teeth with dad

Sweet Smiles Start with Smart Choices

1. Brush your teeth on a morning
Brushing first thing on a morning helps clear plaque, giving teeth a better defence against sugar.

2. Choose chocolate over sticky sweets
Chocolate is easier to rinse away, while sticky sweets hang around on the teeth far longer.

3. Enjoy treats at mealtimes
Snacking constantly throughout the day keeps sugar levels high – sticking to mealtimes limits exposure.

4. Drink water after snacks
A simple glass of water can help wash away leftover sugar and keep mouths clean between brushes.

5. Hide toothbrushes or tooth-friendly surprises in your Easter egg hunt
A brilliant way to sneak in some healthy habits without spoiling the fun!

Girl eating fruit salad

Balance Fun with Healthy Habits

6. Try sugar-free sweets or xylitol gum
These still feel like a treat but don’t feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

7. Crunchy fruit and veg like carrots or apples
Nature’s toothbrush! They help clean teeth and give the jaw a workout too.

8. Turn brushing into a bunny-hop dance party
Make it fun and silly – hopping while brushing makes two minutes feel like no time at all.

9. Create a Tooth Fairy jar or brushing sticker chart
Little rewards work wonders for motivation – it helps turn brushing into a positive habit.

10. Book a fun post-Easter dental visit
We love seeing little ones during school holidays – it’s a great time for a friendly check-up.

Easter egg hunt

More Ways to Keep Teeth Egg-cellent

11. Swap some chocolate eggs for toys or craft kits
A non-sugar option that keeps them just as excited – and avoids sugar overload.

12. Let your child choose a fun toothbrush
If they love their brush, they’re more likely to use it – simple but so effective!

13. Sing an Easter tune while brushing
Songs are a great way to keep brushing for the full two minutes (and you might get a giggle or two).

14. Teach flossing as a game
I call it “tickling between the teeth” – works like a charm with little ones!

15. Try a cube of cheese after treats
Cheese is fantastic for teeth – it helps balance acids and strengthens enamel.

16. Talk about the Tooth Fairy loving sparkly, well-brushed teeth
A bit of magic can really help reinforce good habits in younger children.

17. Brush together as a family
Children love to copy – if they see you doing it, they’ll want to join in!

18. Make up a magical story about plaque-fighting heroes
Create your own toothy story – it makes brushing feel like an adventure.

19. Avoid grazing
Little and often might be tempting, but it’s better to enjoy treats all in one go to give teeth time to recover.

20. Celebrate good brushing with a non-sugar reward
Whether it’s a sticker, a story or a high 5 – rewards don’t need to be edible to feel special.

Beth Reid, Dental Therapist at Thornhill Dental

We hope you find these tips helpful and easy to try at home!

If you’d like any advice or wish to book your child’s next check-up, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. We’re always here to support your little ones on their journey to happy, healthy smiles – and the good news is, we currently have NHS children’s places available.

Call our friendly reception team on 01924 464077 to book your appointment – we’d love to welcome you and your family this Easter!

Have a lovely Easter!

Book an appointment

Opening times

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
08:00 – 17:3008:00 – 20:3008:00 – 20:3008:00 – 17:3008:00 – 17:00
Open alternate Saturdays
08:15 - 12:30
 

Get in touch via email

Dentist and patient
Thornhill Dental is able to accept referrals for Orthopantomogram x-rays from other dental practitioners. Referrals can be made on a private basis or NHS basis (if the patient is undergoing NHS treatment at their own practice).