Parents who do not wish their children to require emergency dentistry in the future have been advised to make dental hygiene routines as enjoyable as possible.
Louise Chidlow, dental advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation, said mothers and fathers can encourage youngsters to take good care of their teeth by ensuring that brushing is "fun".
Dentists recommend that people brush their teeth for at least two minutes, but the expert claimed this can seem like "a lifetime" to energetic children.
"Timers are really good – children tend to find something they can visually see helps them and gives them something to focus on," Ms Chidlow commented.
She suggested using electric toothbrushes to keep youngsters interested in the task, as such devices can be "a lot more fun and interactive" than ordinary brushes.
Ms Chidlow said many electric brushes are now fitted with timers and also play music.
According to Colgate, most adults "do not come close" to brushing their teeth for the recommended length of time each day.