Tooth brushing tips for children
Milestones and general oral care tips:
- Infants with no teeth – Wipe with moist cloth or gauze square twice a day (morning and bedtime)
- After teeth – Use child’s toothbrush with a small amount (1/2 pea sized) amount of non-fluoride toothpaste
- Age Two – Begin teaching your child to brush (you still need to monitor them and brush their teeth where they miss)
- Age Two – Fluoride toothpaste at pea-size amount can now be introduced. Remember to use small portions of toothpaste (a pea-sized portion is suitable), and teach your child to spit out, not swallow, the toothpaste when finished
- Age Seven to Eight – Usually able to brush on their own
- Age Nine – time to start flossing on their own!
How to brush your child’s teeth:
- Hold brush at an angle towards the teeth & gums
- Use short strokes, moving brush back and forth
- Brush the inside & outside surfaces of each tooth, don’t forget both top & bottom
- Hold the brush flat to reach the top of teeth
- Brush the tongue gently to remove bacteria
- Floss your child’s teeth once a day
Fun Tips & Tricks to Get Them to Brush:
- Let him/her brush your teeth
- Let him/ her pick their own toothbrush
- Battery operated toothbrushes are fun and can be inexpensive
- Character toothbrushes
- Use a step stool so they can see in the mirror
- Get a children’s book on brushing
- Everyone can brush together!
(Source: www.dentalsmiles.co.ke)