Tooth Brushing 411: Pediatric Dental Tips

Most parents know the struggle of trying to coax their little ones to brush and floss their teeth. What’s worse is that some don’t know the proper way to brush and floss! Luckily, there are ways to teach kids that pediatric dental care is vital in a way that’s both fun and educational. Furthermore, it’s important to work as a team with your child when they are young to reinforce their dental hygiene habits.

Tips for Brushing Teeth Properly

Not only is it important to establish good tooth brushing habits, it’s even more important to establish the right habits. The following tips will help your child maintain a healthy mouth:

1. Floss before brushing to loosen food particles and tartar, bending the floss around the tooth in a c-shape.
2. For children under 3 years of age, use a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste and brush the teeth at a 45-degree angle.
3. For kids 3 and up, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste can be used.
4. Kids may need help brushing their teeth—it’s best that toddlers and preschoolers have parental guidance the entire time that they are brushing their teeth.
5. Brush in a circular motion to pick up all plaque and food debris.
6. Brush the teeth for a full two minutes.
7. Use positive reinforcement so that kids want to continue their good habits, i.e., a sticker chart to accumulate points for a prize.

Tips for Making Tooth Brushing Fun

Daily oral hygiene doesn’t have to be just another chore on your child’s list. The following tips will help to make tooth brushing a more enjoyable daily activity for your kids:

1. Pick out a fun song that plays for about two minutes to ensure your child is brushing for the full recommended time.
2. Make up a story about how sugar bugs (cavities) develop and how good oral hygiene prevents them!
3. Read your child their favorite story using their favorite characters aloud while they brush their teeth for a full two minutes.

Advanced Children’s Dentistry is a safe and educational pediatric dental office that offers a full range of pediatric dental treatments. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and general anesthesia for patients in need. Schedule a pediatric dental appointment at 516-758-KIDS.