Helping your child establish healthy habits, like regular tooth brushing, gives them an advantage in promoting long-term dental health. By teaching your child how to brush their teeth the right way, you’re helping contribute to a lifelong healthy smile
By the time your little one is around 2 or 3 years old, they are ready to begin learning how to brush their teeth. This is the start of a process that will take a few years, though, as their motor skills are still developing and they will likely need assistance with brushing until around age 7 or 8.
Allow them to Personalize the Experience
Children’s toothbrushes feature a number of characters, making it likely that your little one will find one featuring their favorite. Opt for one with soft bristles. Toothpaste also comes in a variety of fun but healthy flavors, such as bubblegum. By allowing your child some say-so in what flavor of toothpaste they use and which soft-bristled toothbrush they like best, it can be a more enjoyable experience for your child.
Setting the Example
By allowing your child to watch you practice brushing your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes, you set the example for their own brushing habits and schedule. It may be helpful to show them you enjoy brushing. Brushing your teeth as a family, can be another way to make brushing a fun and welcomed experience for your child.
How to Brush
Establishing a proper tooth brushing technique is crucial in ensuring they’re getting the most out of brushing. With continued practice and some patience on your part, your little one will be on their way to mastering correct brushing. While they’re still learning, it can be helpful for you to walk them through each of the following steps. Proper brushing includes the use of fluoride toothpaste and should last 2 minutes.
• Brush each side of the tooth.
• It is recommended to hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. (With practice, they’ll get it).
• Start at the gum line and brush down the tooth in small and gentle circular strokes.
• When brushing the parts of the teeth meant for chewing (bottom part of the tooth), use sweeping across motions.
• Don’t forget to teach them the importance of brushing the tongue and roof of the mouth, brush these areas starting from the back to the front of the mouth.
• Remind them to brush gently and thoroughly.
• Teach them the importance of spitting remaining toothpaste out at the end. Remind them that while the flavors are fun, the toothpaste is icky now from cleaning off dirty teeth and shouldn’t be swallowed.
• Using a timer (toothbrushing timer apps, for example, can make it interactive and fun) or playing their favorite music for the duration of brushing, can teach your child that oral hygiene isn’t a chore.
Teaching your child proper brushing habits is crucial, and getting them in to see a dentist regularly is another way you can promote their dental health. Looking for a dentist for your child? Make an appointment with the friendly and experienced office of Dr. Hokanson, DDS, today!