Brushing your child’s teeth should begin as soon as the teeth appear, or as directed by your child’s doctor or pediatric dentist as children will require assistance brushing their teeth until they are about 7 to 8 years old.
It is critical to perform mouth care on your child even before he or she has teeth. It is done by gently rubbing a damp washcloth or piece of gauze over your infant’s gums to help clean the mouth.
After your infant has developed some teeth, a soft, wet toothbrush can be used. Experts recommend consulting your child’s dentist about the best time for your toddler to start using toothpaste, since young children frequently swallow toothpaste instead of spitting it out.
When and how frequently should my child brush and floss his or her teeth?
It’s difficult to get your child to brush their teeth since there are so many more important and interesting things for them to do. However, you are aware of how critical it is that they brush their teeth thoroughly and on a regular basis. Parents frequently ask us how often their children should brush and floss, so here’s our advice.
So brushing children’s teeth should be twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime, is recommended. Brush for at least two minutes, focusing on all surfaces but especially the back teeth.
This is because it is a particularly sneaky area where cavities can form. Keep in mind replacing your child’s toothbrush every four months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear and tear before then.
What about using floss?
String floss might be preferable. Once they’re old enough, they can use flossing strings and floss at least once a day, preferably before bed. Some toothbrushes have bi-level or interdental bristles that reach between teeth and help to clean all surfaces of the teeth.
When should kids begin brushing their teeth?
Teeth should be brushed as soon as they appear, and the sooner you start your children in the habit of brushing, the sooner you can get them used to the routine of cleaning their teeth.
Begin with a pea-sized amount of paste and a soft toothbrush designed for children.
Which toothpaste is the best?
Fluoride is the most important component of toothpaste. The brand or type of toothpaste (paste, gel, or powder) is generally unimportant as long as it contains fluoride.
All fluoride kinds of toothpaste are effective at fighting plaque and cavities, as well as cleaning and polishing tooth enamel.
Tartar control pyrophosphates are used in some toothpastes to prevent the buildup of soft calculus deposits on teeth, while whitening formulas are used in others to safely remove stains, making teeth brighter and shinier.
However, fluoride is the true active ingredient that works the hardest to protect your child’s teeth, contrary to clever advertising and popular belief.
Three Incredibly clever ways to get your children to brush their teeth
1. Allow them to choose their own toothbrush and toothpaste
Children’s toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors and varieties, with some even featuring their favorite characters; allow them to choose a couple of different ones so they can mix it up.
There are also several colorful and fun children’s toothbrushes available. Allow them to select one featuring their favorite colors and characters.
2. Make a game from brushing their teeth
This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. The minimum amount of time your children should brush their teeth is 2 minutes, and you can set a timer to see if they can continue for that amount of time.
You can brush with them and compete to see who can make the most bubbles with their brushing. You can also ask your children to show you how clean their teeth are now that the cavity monsters have been defeated! It will be turned into a great, funny game.
3. Encourage your child’s brushing
You should use positive reinforcement to encourage your children to develop a lifelong oral care routine.
You can, on the other hand, make a sticker chart and award them stars for brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, which will be a great motivator for them to continue brushing and caring for their oral health.
In conclusion
Getting your children to practice good, healthy habits on a regular basis will instill positive habits in them that they will never forget.
And, brushing and flossing are extremely important habits for maintaining oral health and keeping your teeth clean and strong in order to avoid tooth decay and other diseases.
Here, at Dr.Nour Al Farah Clinic, you will get all the information you need as well as guidance on how to help your child brush their teeth!