More than half of children admit lying about brushing their teeth, new study finds

New research reveals 56% of children have fibbed about brushing their teeth, as experts warn of the impact on oral health.

A 13-year-old boy brushing his teeth with a toothbrush in a bright bathroom with a large mirror

Ekaterina Goncharova/Getty

Published: June 1, 2026 at 12:18 PM

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Thousands of UK parents will be familiar with the nightly question: "Have you brushed your teeth?"

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New research suggests many children may not be giving a completely honest answer.

A study commissioned by Bupa Dental Care found that 56% of children aged 3 to 10 admit they have lied to their parents about brushing their teeth. The findings highlight the everyday challenge many families face when it comes to building healthy dental habits.

The research also comes as dentists continue to warn about the impact poor oral hygiene can have on children's health, with tooth decay remaining one of the leading causes of hospital admissions among young children in England.

More than 4 in 10 children brush for a minute or less

The survey of 1,000 parents and 1,000 children aged 3 to 10 found that 41% of children brush their teeth for a minute or less, despite NHS guidance recommending brushing for two minutes, twice a day.

It's perhaps no surprise that many parents worry about whether their children are brushing effectively. Nearly half (46%) said they are concerned their child is not brushing properly, while 29% worry their child is not brushing for long enough or often enough.

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.

Dr Neil Sikka, Director of Dentistry at Bupa Dental Care

Why some children feel nervous about the dentist

The study found that 13% of children feel anxious about visiting the dentist, while 22% of parents admit they feel nervous themselves.

Among children who experience dental anxiety, the most common concerns were:

Researchers also found that parental feelings can influence children's confidence. Nearly one in five children (18%) said a parent's nerves make them feel more anxious about dental appointments.

Dr. Sikka added: "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 their long term oral health."

How parents can make toothbrushing more enjoyable

JLS star and dad-of-three Aston Merrygold says creating positive routines at home can make a big difference.

He said: "Brushing teeth can feel like a daily battle in many households, especially when you’re trying to make sure little ones brush for long enough. At home, I try to keep it fun, using music, brushing together and sticking to routines. Making brushing enjoyable really helps, and it makes a big difference when it comes to visiting the dentist too."

According to the research, many families are already using stories to help children understand and manage worries. More than nine in 10 parents (93%) believe story time can help children cope with fears or anxieties, while 54% say reading together helps calm their child.

Almost half of parents (48%) also believe their children learn important lessons from the characters they read about.

A new storybook aims to ease dental fears

In response to the findings, Bupa Dental Care has partnered with award-winning author Jennifer Gray and Aston Merrygold to create a new children's storybook and audiobook called The Dentist's Apprentice.

The story follows an anxious crocodile through a dental appointment, explaining each stage of the visit in a child-friendly way. The aim is to help children understand what happens at the dentist and reduce fear of the unknown.

The book is available in Bupa Dental Care practices across the UK, allowing children to read it before or during appointments.

Aston Merrygold's tips for tackling dental nerves

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Families can download and listen to The Dentist's Apprentice via the Bupa website.

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