Tooth Brushing Tips

TOOTH BRUSHING

Brushing and Flossing Instructions:

Children’s hands and mouths are different than adults. They need to use toothbrushes designed for children. Both adults and children should use brushes with soft, rounded bristles for a gentle cleaning. Change to a new brush about every three months.

Wipe infant’s teeth gently with a moist, soft cloth or gauze square. As babies grow, use a child’s toothbrush with a small, smear of toothpaste. By age 2 or 3 begin to teach your child to brush. You will need to brush where they miss. Dentists and Hygienists often advise children to use a gentle, sort of back and forth motion to remove plaque. When children are older they can switch to this method.

·         Hold the brush at an angle (45 degrees) towards teeth and gums. Move brush back and forth with short strokes, about a half a tooth wide.

·         Brush the inside and outside surfaces of each tooth, top and bottom.

·         Hold the brush flat on top of the teeth and brush the chewing surfaces.

·         Floss between teeth daily.

When to begin brushing:

Once your child’s teeth begin erupting, you can begin cleaning them by wiping them with a moist washcloth. As your child gets more teeth, you can begin to use a soft child’s toothbrush. You should just use a smear of a fluoride or non-fluoride toothpaste (Baby OraGel) until your child is able to spit it out (too much fluoride can stain their teeth).

For most toddlers, getting them to brush their teeth can be quite a challenge. Some suggestions for making tooth brushing less of a battle can include

·         Letting them brush your teeth at the same time.

·         Letting them pick out a few toothbrushes with their favorite characters and giving them a choice of which one they want to use each time (Gives the feeling of control)

·         Let them brush their own teeth first (you will likely “have to help out”)

·         Read some children’s books about tooth brushing.

·         Have everyone brush their teeth at the same time.

To help them understand the importance of brushing, it can be sometimes fun and helpful to let them eat/drink something that will temporarily stain their teeth, and then let them brush their teeth.

It can also be a good idea to create a “tooth brushing routine” and stick to the same routine each day.

That's all for now :)

Children's Dental World Winnipeg