Brushing Is Essential for Your Child’s Oral Health
The saying, “Prevention is better than cure” rings especially true when it comes to your child’s oral hygiene. Sadly, many parents don’t consider their children’s oral health a priority. Instilling good oral hygiene habits while your child is still young lays the foundation for lifelong oral health.
The Importance of Brushing for Children
Your baby’s teeth are susceptible to decay and should be kept clean to prevent baby bottle tooth decay caused by milk, fruit juices, and sugary liquids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases in the United States.
The existence of cavities causes more than just oral pain. Premature loss of primary teeth in children up to 7 can negatively impact proper word formation and pronunciation. Children suffering from poor oral health also experience problems eating and often miss more school than children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Parents’ Role in Creating Sound Brushing Habits
Parents play a crucial role in their children’s oral health. Your attitude towards healthy eating habits and brushing routines sets a precedent for your children to follow into their adult years.
Start cleaning your baby’s first teeth as they come out, and create activities around your child’s brushing routine for a positive experience. Help your child when they first brush and teach them how to brush correctly and not to swallow the toothpaste. Ingesting too much toothpaste can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which causes deposits that permanently discolor developing teeth.
The Pediatric Dentist
Regular visits to a pediatric dentist can prevent any dental issues that may develop. A pediatric dentist specializes in dental care for children and teens and is trained and adept at making treatments more comfortable for little people who can’t sit still during dental exams and teeth cleanings.
Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Child
Select a toothbrush specially designed for small children, as their gums are more sensitive than those of adults. Round-ended brushes with soft bristles help to reduce irritation on the gums. A small head can reach all around your child’s mouth, and a big handle with a good grip reduces the chances of your child letting it fall.
Don’t use fluoride toothpaste if your child is younger than 2 years. Between the ages of 2 and 3, you can use an amount the size of a grain of rice. Between the ages of 3 and 6, a pea-sized amount is enough.
How To Brush Your Child’s Teeth
Toothbrush videos are a fun way to teach your child how to brush their teeth. Here are the steps you should follow when brushing your child’s teeth:
- Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, morning and night, as soon as they begin to come into the mouth.
- Clean between the teeth as soon as your child has two teeth that touch.
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle against your child’s gum line and gently brush in short strokes.
- Brush the outside and inside of the teeth, including the chewing surfaces.
- Brush for two to three minutes.
- Gently brush your child’s tongue to remove harmful bacteria.
- Supervise your child’s brushing, and make sure they don’t swallow any toothpaste.
Teaching your child how to brush their teeth sets the scene for lifelong oral health and happy, confident smiles. Visit our dental office today and let our dental team help your child develop proper brushing skills.
