The best way to teach children how to brush their teeth is to lead by example! Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene. I know it’s difficult to get your little ones to brush their teeth but I hope this blog helps with step by step instructions on how to properly take care of them. Also, make this a fun experience for them... buy them cool toothbrushes, flavored toothpaste, fun flossers!
It’s best to brush twice a day, in the morning and night for a minimum of 2 minutes.
Steps To Brushing With A Regular Toothbrush:
Smear a pea-size amount of toothpaste onto a soft children’s toothbrush
Sit your child in your lap for better control of helping them brush and so you can have a good view of the surfaces of the teeth
Brush in gentle circles on the inside of the teeth and gums
Brush back and forth on the chewing surface of the teeth
Don’t forget to brush the tongue!
After brushing make sure your child spits out the toothpaste
Most bacteria in your mouth lives on your tongue so it’s important to try your best to brush your toddler’s tongue.
It’s recommended to use a soft children’s toothbrush and they should be replaced every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get frayed.
For babies 12 months and under I would just use water when brushing.
Once a baby can spit it’s a great idea to start toothpaste..
A child should have a first visit at 12 months.
Flossing is important even with baby teeth! I would floss at least once a day and bleeding is ok, that just means you have to floss more often.
Steps To Flossing:
Wrap floss around middle fingers and use the thumb and pointer finger to pinch the floss
Seesaw the floss in between the teeth
Make a “c” shape around the tooth and up under the gums.
Move the floss up and down 2-5 times on each side of every tooth
It’s important to establish regular flossing habits to ensure your child has great oral health. The more you floss the more they will get used to it.
As your little ones grow, plan on routine dental checkups and depending on your dentist’s recommendations bring them in to see a hygienist every 6 months. Don’t overdo it on the sugary foods and drinks, encouraging regular brushing and flossing, and working with your dentist will lead to good dental health. Get those sugary bugs away!
I have a fun dental coloring book available for purchase on my Etsy Shop!
Products I love for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_M7qXcPKZo
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