5 Tips to Help Your Child Effectively Brush their Teeth

For healthy teeth and gums, the most important thing your child can do is brush their teeth regularly---and thoroughly. It's often at around age six that a child becomes capable of effectively brushing their own teeth. Not only is this a big step in self-reliance, it's also an opportunity for your child to learn about positive lifestyle habits.

Cavities are no fun for anyone---and especially not for children. To prevent such problems from occurring, it's crucial that your child is brushing at least twice per day. Regular brushing, combined with twice-yearly dental visits, will help to ensure that your child's teeth and gums remain in great health. Here's a look at five tips to help your child successfully brush their teeth.

Carefully Select Toothpaste

When choosing a toothpaste, you'll want to check for fluoride content, as well as the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. For your kiddo, there are certain toothpastes that offer fun flavors and kid-friendly packaging. This may make it easier to persuade them to brush regularly. The important thing is that the toothpaste contains fluoride, which plays the biggest role in fighting cavities. However, it's important that your child isn't putting too much toothpaste on their brush because too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes discoloration. For kids three and older, all that's needed is a pea-sized quantity of toothpaste for each brushing.

Brush Regularly, Not Obsessively

Your child should brush after they eat breakfast and before they go to bed. Some advocate brushing after lunch as well. While this is okay, you'll want to make sure that your child isn't brushing obsessively, which could cause enamel to wear down. For each brushing, two minutes should do the trick, with attention paid specifically to molars and gums.

Varied Starting Place

If your child always starts brushing in the same spot in their mouth, they could develop a routine where certain spots are often missed. By varying their starting point, it's more likely that they'll be covering all areas, with at least semi-frequency.

Replace Old Toothbrush

It usually takes about three to four months before bristles wear down to the extent that they're not working optimally and a new brush is needed.

Thoroughly Rinse Off Brush

With a thorough rinse, your child will help to keep bacteria from building up on their brush.

If your child needs dental care, be sure to get in touch with a reputable pediatric dentist. For a children's dentist in Gilbert, Mesa, Apache Junction, and Chandler, AZ, the trusted name is Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry at (480) 637-4186. Feel free to give Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry a call today to schedule an appointment!

Posted: January 5, 2021