Dimensions of young children's toothbrushing resistance: a qualitative content analysis of discussions on the online parenting forum Mumsnet

Background

Young children's resistant behaviour is a barrier to parental-supervised brushing. Discussions on online parenting forums offer an insight into parental experiences, behaviour and attitudes. Analysing these discussions also demonstrates how dental advice is represented and potentially resisted.

Aim

To analyse how young children's toothbrushing resistance is discussed on an online parenting forum.

Design

Qualitative content analysis of threads on toothbrushing resistance retrieved from the UK parenting forum Mumsnet.

Results

A search was carried out on Mumsnet in April 2022. Overall, 204 relevant threads were identified and analysed. A coding frame was developed. Posters interacted by discussing their experiences of resistance, asking for advice, making suggestions and being both supportive and critical. Thirty-seven strategies for addressing resistance were identified. Discussions reflected attitudes and concerns relating to young children and toothbrushing resistance, including the idea brushing should be ‘non-negotiable’. A key issue was the acceptability of physical force or restraint to achieve adequate brushing. Posters invoked dental authority to support their views.

Conclusion

Understanding how toothbrushing resistance is discussed on a parenting forum helps establish what information and advice is shared, and highlights attitudes and concerns that shape how this problem is approached.