It's important to begin brushing as soon as your baby's first tooth comes in. Make brushing twice a day part of their daily routine, usually after breakfast and before bedtime.
Children usually need help with brushing until they are 8 years old. When they can tie their own shoelaces, they can usually brush on their own. But it is still important to supervise them to make sure they are brushing for 2 minutes.
Follow these simple steps to keep teeth clean and make brushing a fun, positive experience for your child.
Select the right toothbrush
Use a toothbrush designed for young children. A toothbrush for infants and toddlers will have soft bristles, a small head and a thick handle that is easy to grip with little hands.
Choose a toothpaste with fluoride
Brushing a child's teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride is one of the most effective things parents can do to prevent cavities. Allow your child to pick out their favorite flavor of fluoride toothpaste. Kids' toothpastes do not taste as spicy as the mint toothpastes that many older children and adults use. An adult should always place toothpaste on the toothbrush and then keep it out of reach.
Use the right amount of toothpaste
For children under 3 years old, use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice).
Children ages 3 through 6 years old need a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- If a child cannot spit: Have the child tilt their mouth down so that the toothpaste can dribble out into the sink, a cup or a washcloth. Since the fluoride in toothpaste is concentrated, it is meant to be swished but not swallowed. (That's why you may notice a warning label on toothpaste with fluoride.) Remember to help or watch the child while brushing.
Spit, but don't rinse
When your child is old enough, tell them to spit out any excess toothpaste after brushing. However, they should not rinse their mouth with water right after brushing. That washes away the coating of fluoride from the toothpaste that's working to strengthen teeth.Brushing techniques: consider all angles
Move the brush in gentle circles over all sides of the teeth. The bristles should be at a 45-degree angle for the best cleaning results. It is usually easiest for infants and toddlers to lie down for brushing. Their diaper changing pad can be a good spot, or simply lay them on soft carpet using your lap as a cushion for their head.
Keep it fun
Brush along to a favorite song, take turns and have them brush your teeth, or follow a children's brushing app on your phone.
Remember
See your child's dentist by their
first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. For answers about your child's oral health, ask your pediatrician or dentist.
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