Brushing our teeth is part of our daily routine. It’s one of the first things we do when we wake up, one of the last things we do before we go to sleep at night, and, hopefully, something we often do after having lunch or an afternoon snack. Brush correctly and you do so much to promote your own dental health and physical well-being.
If you have children at home, it’s now your turn to instill in them good habits and brushing techniques. We thought a reminder on how to best brush teeth correctly would help not only our newest patients but also be a good refresher for parents!
Steps to Brushing Correctly
- Use a small-head, soft-bristled children’s toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Children younger than 6 should use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Place the brush against the outer gum line at an angle. Wiggle back and forth on each tooth.
- Place toothbrush against insides of teeth and wiggle.
- Brush for roughly two minutes.
Encouraging Brushing Habits
- Remind children that toothbrushes aren’t meant to be shared.
- Replace your child’s toothbrush at least every three months or sooner if it gets worn or chewed.
- Start brushing teeth as soon as they appear. Use a soft washcloth to clean gums before teeth appear.
- Supervise tooth brushing and assist as needed until your child is 7 or 8 years of age and able to fully and thoroughly clean their teeth.
Establishing good dental habits early is best. When twice-daily brushing and also flossing is a daily routine from a young age you’ve taken a great step to ensuring it becomes a healthy habit for life. If you have questions about your child’s dental health or are ready to schedule your child’s first dental check-up, call our office at (248) 852-3130.
