Encourage brushing and flossing habits in a fun age-appropriate way with your child! Proper brushing habits are the foundation of good oral health for your child. Read our 7 tips below for guidance.
7 Ways Teach Brushing & Flossing to Young Children
Proper brushing habits are the foundation of good oral health for your child. Hereās a more detailed breakdown:
Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste: For children, a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head is ideal. It should comfortably fit in their mouth and be easy for their small hands to maneuver. Use fluoride toothpaste, which helps prevent cavities and strengthens enamel.
Amount of Toothpaste: For children under 3 years old, use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpasteāabout the size of a grain of rice. For children aged 3ā6, a pea-sized amount is sufficient. This ensures they get the cavity-fighting benefits without ingesting too much toothpaste.
Brushing Technique: Teach them to brush gently in circular motions rather than scrubbing back and forth aggressively. Focus on all tooth surfacesāfront, back, and the chewing surfaces. Donāt forget the gum line and back molars, as plaque can build up there.
Time and Frequency: Brushing should last for two minutes, twice a dayāonce in the morning and once before bed. You can make this fun by using a timer or playing a song that lasts two minutes to keep them engaged.
Supervised Brushing: Young children often lack the dexterity to brush effectively on their own. Supervise them until theyāre around 7ā8 years old, ensuring theyāre covering all areas and not swallowing toothpaste.
Replace Toothbrushes Regularly: Replace their toothbrush every 3ā4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn-out toothbrush can harbor bacteria and canāt clean effectively.
Flossing: Incorporate flossing into their routine as soon as two teeth touch. Use child-friendly floss picks for easier handling, and guide them in the proper technique.
Establishing these habits early will not only keep their teeth clean but also instill a lifelong routine for excellent oral hygiene. Plus, involving them in selecting their toothbrush or toothpaste can make the process more fun!
To ensure all your childrenās teeth are ready to SMILE all year long, be sure to visit Sunshine Childrenās Dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends oral checkups twice annually for children (and adults, too). QUESTIONS? We are a resource to you and are happy to answer any questions you may have about your childās changing smile. We believe that oral health should be FUN and something to SMILE about!
We at Sunshine Children's Dentistry are THANKFUL for our patients!
Your family is a blessing to everyone at our office. Thank you for the honor of serving you! If you ever need to reach us, our number is 910.762.7736.
For more helpful resources and fun activities, be sure to read our other Blog Articles.
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