Toothbrushing is an essential practice for dental health. Doing it along with flossing can help children set a good dental care routine at an early age. It takes patience to teach your child to do it right until the habit forms. If you want to know more toothbrushing tips you can share with your young kids, here are the details.
Toothbrushing starts when the first tooth erupts. This will be at around six months old. Using a soft wet cloth will be a good start. A small, soft-bristled toothbrush will do the job as well. This will introduce teeth cleaning in a gentle way.
Cleaning the surfaces of the gums and teeth two times a day will create a routine. This will be in the morning and before sleeping at night. The baby will think of brushing as an important ritual. There could be some resistance at first, but this will go away with consistent practice.
The pediatric dentist always reminds parents of being careful with toothpaste with harsh abrasives for enamel. A young child’s teeth are still developing. The protective enamel outer layer is still thin. Abrasive toothpaste will only erode and weaken the young teeth. This will leave the child vulnerable to tooth decay early on.
At zero to eight months old, water alone can clean the child’s teeth. Starting to use a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste for toothbrushing can begin when the child reaches 18 months old. Using a small amount of regular fluoride toothpaste can begin at six years old. The pediatric dentist may provide guidelines if the child is at risk for tooth decay or if the water is not fluoridated.
Adults and children need to practice regular toothbrushing habits. This consistent practice can remove the plaque and food particles from teeth. It can even prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing in the morning and at night is ideal. This will start and end the day with clean teeth.
Toothbrushing the child’s teeth can show them the sensations of brushing teeth. The adult can do it for the child at first by sitting the child on the lap, facing away from the adult. Cupping the child’s chin as the child’s head rests on the adult’s chest can make it easier. Children will learn the importance of toothbrushing from the adults teaching them. Brushing with them and guiding them can help them know the techniques better. Below are additional pointers in brushing a child’s teeth:
The child will need supervision the day independent toothbrushing starts. This will help remind the child about where and how to brush. Timing the brushing for two minutes can instill the habit from a young age. Inspecting the teeth after the child brushes can help them do better each time.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Reston, VA
Dental checks can help the pediatric dentist see how well the child brushes. The dentist can make toothbrushing suggestions to you, and your child can improve the technique. Patience is key in teaching this healthy oral care skill. Consistency will form the habit.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
Children are often afraid to go to the dentist because it is a new, unfamiliar place full of sights, smells, and sounds that they do not know, but the good news is that painless pediatric dentistry is one possible solution to help your child get to know the dentist in a positive light. By avoiding…
When parents decide to take their child to the dentist for the first time, they often do not know what to expect, but fortunately, a pediatric dentist is a professional who dedicates their attention to treating children, which can help put your mind at ease. That said, knowing what your child (and you!) will go…
Curious about pediatric dental services? Read on to learn more. Protecting their children's smiles and dental health should be a top priority for every parent. Pediatric dental services are essential today due to the changing healthcare environment and increasing demand for oral hygiene. This article covers some of these services and what every parent needs…
If your child is concerned about crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may want to consider Invisalign® for teens. This is an alternative to metal or ceramic braces that has numerous benefits, especially for those who are self-conscious about their appearance. There are various reasons why Invisalign may be the right choice, but not…
As a child's mouth and teeth develop throughout their teenage years, it may become apparent that their teeth have misalignment or spacing problems. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of the results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of…