Tooth Brushing Tips For Children
Proper oral hygiene habits are critical at all ages because they reduce your risk of oral and overall health complications. These habits are especially important during childhood because these are the formative years. Habits that your child learns at this age will go with them throughout their lives. Therefore, it’s critical to encourage them early on to learn to properly care for their teeth.
When Should You Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?
Many parents believe that they don’t have to be concerned about their children’s oral health until they have a mouthful of teeth. However, the truth is that oral hygiene is important from the moment your child is born.
While your baby’s first tooth may not emerge until they are at least 4 months old, gum health is important. You can use a finger brush or damp cloth to clean their gums and prevent bacteria buildup. This will also help them get used to the routine of having their mouth brushed as well as prevent damage to the teeth as they do emerge.
When teeth do start emerging, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush your child’s teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each. One of those should be before bed to prevent food debris or milk residue from sitting in their mouth overnight. This is a good time to transition from a finger brush or washcloth to a pediatric toothbrush.
As more teeth begin to emerge, you may want to consider including flossing as part of your oral hygiene routine. Additionally, it’s important to schedule your child’s first dental visit before their first birthday or when their first tooth emerges, whichever comes first.
How to Choose the Best Toothpaste for Children
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best toothpaste for your child:
Make sure it has the ADA Seal
When choosing toothpaste for your child, the first advice you should seek is from your child’s dentist. They will have the knowledge and expertise to point you in the right direction. In addition, look for the American Dental Association seal of approval. This will ensure that the product has been proven safe and effective for optimal dental health.
Avoid harsh abrasives
Make sure that you choose an age-appropriate toothpaste for your child. Many of the oral care products on the market today contain abrasives that could wear away your child’s tooth enamel. This can cause your child to develop tooth sensitivity.
Look for fluoride
According to research, everyone should be using toothpaste containing fluoride because it protects teeth against plaque build-up and tooth decay. However, ingesting too much fluoride can be unhealthy, especially for young children. Therefore, pay attention to how much you use because your child may swallow some of the toothpaste while brushing. For children under the age of three, it is recommended to use a “smear”, while you should use a pea-sized amount for older children.
Consider flavor
While flavor is not relevant for oral health, it can be an important factor in encouraging your child to brush their teeth. While most adults enjoy the flavor of minty toothpaste, most children don’t care for it because it makes their mouth tingle. However, most children will get excited about flavors such as strawberry or bubble gum.
Proper Tooth Brushing Techniques for Children
Toothbrushing doesn’t have to be complicated or a chore. Here are five steps to make it easier:
- Apply the proper amount of toothpaste- a smear for children under the age of 3 and a pea-sized amount for children over the age of 3
- Angle the toothbrush 45° to that it is facing towards the gums of the upper or lower arch when brushing back teeth. Hold it in a vertical position to brush the front teeth
- Move the brush in short strokes for all surfaces of teeth (exterior, chewing surfaces, and interior)
- Brush the tongue to remove food debris and bacteria
Brush twice daily for two minutes each and make sure to pause and let them spit instead of swallowing the toothpaste.
As your child gets older, encourage them to be more independent and learn to brush on their own. However, you’ll still want to supervise for a while until they are able to thoroughly brush on their own.
If your child is resistant, you can do things to make it fun or to distract them from the process, including telling them a story or making it a game. Some children struggle with it more than others- but most of them will adjust and learn that even if they don’t like it, that it is a necessary habit to have.
Frequency and Timing
Children, like adults, should brush their teeth at least twice daily- one of those times being before bed to remove any food debris and bacteria to prevent plaque and tartar buildup overnight.
Toothbrushes for Kids
When choosing a toothbrush for your child, it’s important to choose a soft-bristled brush because it’s easier on their teeth, gums, and soft tissues. You should also pay attention to the size of the toothbrush head. You can’t expect a toddler to use an adult-sized toothbrush or vice-versa. Check with your child’s dentist to make sure that you choose an age-appropriate toothbrush.
While character toothbrushes are not necessary, they may help encourage your child to brush their teeth. If they have a favorite cartoon character, animal, or storybook character, let them pick out a toothbrush featuring that character. This is often helpful for encouraging resistant children to brush their teeth.
Dealing with Resistance
If you have a child that refuses to brush their teeth, there are a few things you can do to help:
- Stand behind them: standing behind them makes it easier for you to hold them and gives them reassurance that they can lean on you if they are uncomfortable.
- Sing to them: pick a simple nursery rhyme to consistently sing when you are brushing your child’s teeth so that they learn how long it will take before it’s over.
- Let them stand in front of the mirror: if they can see what they are doing, it may be easier on them.
- Modeling: let your child try to do it themselves- just make sure to go behind them and brush again to make sure the job is thorough.
- Firm pressure: use the hand that is not brushing their teeth to put firm pressure on their shoulder or chin, this is especially helpful for children with sensory sensitivities
- Let them hold a toy: holding a favorite toy that they can squeeze can be especially helpful for children with sensory sensitivities.
- Make it a routine: choose a designated time and steps to brushing teeth to get your child used to the habit
These tips can help resistant children become more compliant with tooth brushing- but it’s important to remember that this is not an overnight process. It will take time and some children take longer than others.
The Importance of Pediatric Dental Visits
Little Diamonds Pediatric Dentistry understands that you have options, but we want you to understand that we strive to take the time to get to know you and your child and each encounter is personal. We are trained to handle a variety of aspects of your child’s oral care and if we must refer out, you can trust that the providers we recommend are top quality as well. We offer a level of care and commitment that you would struggle to find elsewhere, as well as honest and affordable treatment.
We make scheduling your visit easy with our extended and weekend hours. If you have an emergency, we will make every effort to get you into the office the same day. You can schedule your visit by calling the office or by visiting the website.
When Should Kids Brush Their Teeth?
Proper oral care habits should begin from the moment your child is born. Clean their gums to get them used to the sensation and to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup. You should do this at least twice daily with one of those times being just before bed to avoid food debris and milk residue from sitting in their mouth overnight.
Conclusion
Proper oral care habits are critical for a lifetime of oral health. When you encourage these habits early on, children are more likely to carry them on into adulthood. However, it’s important to make sure to choose the proper toothpaste and toothbrush to ensure the job is done right.
If you need some extra guidance, the team at Little Diamonds Dental will be happy to help.