Tips for Brushing
Citrus Heights, CA
 It is important to start good oral hygiene routines early in life. At Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics we believe that the right brushing technique can make a world of difference to the health of your child. We have gathered our favorite tips for brushing teeth, to ensure only the best in dental wellness for each of our patients.
Toothbrush Selection
The selection of a child’s toothbrush can have an impact on the health of their teeth, and also on their willingness to brush their teeth. Select a soft-bristled toothbrush that has been designed specifically for brushing the teeth of infants or young children. To encourage them to use the toothbrush, consider opting for spin brushes that feature their favorite superheroes or television show characters.
Learn more about toothpaste selection.
Make It Easier to Hold
Most toothbrushes for children are designed to be easily gripped by little hands. Some children may still struggle holding their toothbrush. Make the toothbrush handle more manageable by placing it inside of a tennis ball. Using a Velcro strap or hair band can also make it easier to strap the toothbrush to a small hand, to help keep them from dropping the brush.
Breaking Down Brushing Steps
Break the tooth brushing process into small steps that children can understand and follow along with. Add the toothpaste, brush in small circles, rinse, and spit. Every time you brush start at the upper right and end at the lower right. The bristles should sit on the tooth at a 45-degree angle towards the gums. Our dentist and hygienist can also offer helpful demonstrations. For younger children, it can be helpful to place your hand over their hands, to guide their toothbrush as they brush.
Use Tasty Toothpaste With Fluoride
Ensure that the toothpaste your child uses contains fluoride and offers a tasty flavor that your child will not object to. If your child does not enjoy the flavor of the toothpaste, you are going to have a harder time encouraging them to use the toothpaste come brushing time. Keep in mind that adults should always be responsible for placing the toothpaste onto the toothbrush for younger patients.
Children under the age of three should use no more than a slight smear of toothpaste on their toothbrush. Children between the ages of three and six should use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Making Brushing Engaging
Children that have a difficult time focusing can be hard to convince that tooth brushing is a good idea. Keep your child engaged with their oral hygiene routine using a time or a counting game in order to encourage them to brush their teeth for the full two minutes.
You could also create a chart for them to add stars and stickers to when they have brushed their teeth, with a small reward at the end of every week or month. This can help to encourage young children to brush their teeth routinely.
Schedule your child’s next cleaning or checkup at Weideman Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics by calling us at (916) 962-0577. We can offer helpful and fun demonstrations to establish good brushing techniques early in life.
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