How to properly Brush your Child's Teeth for Optimal Oral Health!
Today, we address some of the most common questions we receive daily at our practice:
How to brush children's teeth?
When to start brushing children's teeth?
How many times should children brush their teeth?
How to establish an immediate teeth-brushing habit?
First and foremost, it's crucial for children to develop a sense of responsibility as early as possible, understanding the significance of oral hygiene and the potential risks associated with neglecting their dental care. At the same time, kids should be aware that ignoring oral hygiene can lead to issues like cavities and misalignment, all while ensuring they don't experience anxiety or discomfort.
It's absolutely important not to use the dentist's role as a threat, as this could make dental visits a stressful experience! For this reason, we aim to use logic to explain to them why it's important to brush their teeth every day and multiple times a day. This approach not only avoids downplaying their role but also helps them take care of themselves.
So, why wait? Let's begin right away! Here are our instructions:
0-6 Months:
After every feeding, particularly at night, it's necessary to clean the gums by removing milk residue and microorganisms. Use a moistened gauze (be sure to select gauzes that don't shed too many fibers) soaked in a saline solution. Wrap it around your index finger and perform small circular motions.
6 Months - 3 Years:
Children's teeth follow a precise schedule, but it's not always easy to determine when to start worrying about their oral hygiene. Why not begin as soon as their first tooth emerges?
Use a manual toothbrush (like This one – a manual toothbrush utilizing small vibrations and equipped with a convenient LED light!) with soft bristles and a small head. Gently clean their teeth with small circular motions, twice a day.
Don't forget the right amount of fluoride toothpaste (Click here), equivalent to a grain of rice! Pay special attention to the tongue and gums, which are quite delicate during this phase of teething.
It's recommended to clean after every feeding to remove milk residues that may cause the dreaded bottle cavities, affecting both upper and lower incisors.
After the first year of age, it's important to take some precautions, such as eliminating/reducing the use of bottles, especially those containing sugary substances or honey! It's important to periodically check the child's mouth to ensure there are no stains or spots, which could indicate cavities. Oral hygiene is especially important before bedtime, as bacteria multiply due to the lack of saliva flow during the night.
But what if the child doesn't want to brush their teeth? To make this experience as enjoyable as possible, we must:
Use a toothbrush suitable for their age and manual dexterity.
Turn this moment into a game.
For instance, we can sing a song or tell a story while brushing their teeth, creating a positive association between the toothbrush and having fun.
Remember that daily teeth cleaning is fundamental to prevent long-term dental problems, and instilling good habits from a young age can last a lifetime.
It's important for parents to actively participate in the process, showing the child how to do it and encouraging them during teeth cleaning. This creates a sense of companionship and sharing, making the moment even more enjoyable. Transforming teeth cleaning into a fun game for the child can help develop healthy and long-lasting habits. Start gradually, allowing the child more independence over time. Initially, you can help by holding the toothbrush and guiding their movements, then let them brush on their own. Finally, you can allow them to apply toothpaste by themselves, always under your supervision. It's important for parents to be patient and supportive during this process. Even if the child makes mistakes, it's important for them to understand that they are learning and will get better over time.
In summary, the steps to follow when assisting a child are:
Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and choose a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Position yourself behind the child or have them sit, tilting their head slightly upwards.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums and start brushing vertically (in one direction) on the outer surface of the teeth.
Repeat this step on the inner side of the teeth and, for molars, on the grooves.
Encourage the child to spit out the toothpaste and rinse their mouth.
In addition to this, it's important to introduce dental flossing into their routine. There are various devices, such as floss picks, that can assist parents in flossing their child's teeth (e.g., click here).
3 Years - 6 Years:
Your child is ready for the next step in their oral hygiene: an electric toothbrush!
This fantastic tool will help them clean their little teeth more effectively, but always under your supervision.
Remember to brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes, two to three times a day, using a fluoride toothpaste containing 500-1000 ppm (Click here). As for the dosage? It's simple, just use an amount equal to a pea size.
While it might be easy to maintain good habits when the child doesn't resist, it can become a bit more challenging when they need to take care of their oral hygiene themselves.
Starting from the age of 6, it's important to introduce the use of dental floss. There are various devices, called floss picks, that can help parents assist their child with flossing (e.g., Click here ).
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH
The moment for children's teeth cleaning is significant for their oral health. To make this moment enjoyable, it's important to use a toothbrush specifically designed for them. It should be small, with a comfortable grip, soft bristles, and preferably colorful. Here are some examples:
In summary, oral hygiene education begins in early childhood and should be an ongoing process that evolves as the child grows. With patience and commitment, you can instill in your children the importance of good oral hygiene that will last a lifetime!"