A Pediatric Dentist Gives Tips for Children Starting to Brush and Floss

Your child’s pediatric dentist knows that children are still learning how to hold the brush and be thorough. For children who are starting to brush and floss, doing a good job can be difficult. Your child can get distracted or bored and miss big portions of the mouth. Getting children to floss is even more difficult. You might be unsure how to help your child. Here are some tips from a pediatric dentist about how to achieve success with your child when it comes to brushing and flossing.

Supporting the youngest children

Babies, toddlers, and small children cannot properly brush their own teeth. Parents and caregivers must take an active role in oral health for dental success. It is important to begin dental care when the first teeth appear. The enamel of baby teeth is thinner than permanent teeth, so baby teeth can develop cavities fast.

Babies and the pediatric dentist

In babies, parents can begin an oral health routine by wiping gums and budding teeth with a clean piece of gauze. Diet matters, even with babies. Parents should minimize sugary drinks in babies, including undiluted juices. There are also special brushers that slip over an adult’s finger and help them to massage the gums and clean the first few teeth. Babies can and should see a pediatric dentist before one year of age for a checkup. The pediatric dentist is a great resource for learning baby-appropriate oral care.

Toddlers and oral health

Children at this age are often trying to be independent. Parents can give them toddler-sized toothbrushes so that the kids can practice their brushing skills. But parents should check and supervise brushing. It is important to ensure children do not eat the toothpaste. Children are also likely to miss areas of the mouth, so a parent can watch and encourage them and may need to step in and help. Showing small children how to floss makes it a normal part of the dental care routine.

Older kids and dental health

Children may not remember to make brushing a regular habit. Other interests can distract them, especially if they find dental care boring. Sometimes, children do not like the strong mint taste that many types of toothpaste have. Parents may need to find a different flavor. Fun flavors can encourage brushing, but parents still need to supervise so that children are not swallowing a lot of toothpaste.

Technique is important. Parents can encourage children to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. Children should brush the whole tooth from the gumline to the top, front, and back. Children tend to rush through. Parents should remind them to slow down. Some parents use songs or timers to help children spend the appropriate amount of time cleaning their teeth.