Teaching your children how to take care of their teeth is integral to instilling good oral hygiene habits. Starting at a young age and setting the right example will help your child develop healthy brushing habits that will continue into adulthood.

If you don’t teach your kids the value of brushing their teeth, they will likely neglect it. Unfortunately, this leads to cavities and other oral health problems, which means pain, discomfort, and expensive trips to the dentist.

It’s never too early to start teaching your children how to brush their teeth. Whether your baby just got their first tooth or your child just lost their first baby tooth, here are a few tips to help them learn the basics.

Oral Hygiene Basics for Children

Not many parents know this, but you can start a dental routine for your baby just a few days after birth. When it comes to your little one’s oral hygiene, it’s essential to ask the following:

  • When should you start brushing your baby’s teeth?
  • When should you start using toothpaste on your child’s teeth?
  • What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should you use for children?
  • How much toothpaste is recommended for children?
  • How should you brush your child’s teeth?
  • How long should a child brush their teeth?

These questions will guide you through teaching your children to brush their teeth.

0 to 3 Years Old

Before your baby’s first tooth even appears, you can start cleaning their gums. Wipe their gums with a soft, damp cloth or gauze after feeding. This helps get rid of any residue that can cause buildup and bacteria. You can also use a finger-slip toothbrush that is designed for infant use.

Use toothpaste only when your baby’s teeth start to emerge. Start with a smear of toothpaste the size of a rice grain. You can increase the amount to a pea-sized portion when they reach three.

4 to 5 Years Old

Once your child turns four, they can start using an age-appropriate toothbrush. Look for a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles that is specifically designed for children, as their teeth and gums are still developing.

When brushing their teeth, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is vital. Fluoride helps fight against tooth decay and strengthens teeth.

Make sure to supervise your child while they brush, as they may need help to do it properly. It’s best to do it with them until they are comfortable doing it alone.

6 to 9 Years Old

At this age, your children become more independent and can brush independently. You can even introduce an electric toothbrush to them. An electric toothbrush comes in many different designs and adds an element of fun to brushing time.

Once they are old enough, and their teeth fit together, educate them on the importance of flossing their teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between their teeth, preventing cavities and tooth decay.

10 Years Old and Above

Most ten years olds have their final teeth come in and can start using a regular, adult-sized toothbrush. Encourage your children to brush for two minutes twice a day, floss once and rinse with mouthwash after brushing.

Have a conversation with your children about what they eat and drink and how it affects their teeth. Sugary snacks and soda can cause cavities, so explain that brushing regularly can help prevent them.

You can also talk to them about the importance of regular dental check-ups. Going to the dentist regularly will help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and other dental issues in the future.

Teaching Your Children How To Brush Their Teeth

Step #1: Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles designed for children based on their age. When it comes to toothpaste, choose one with fluoride made explicitly for children.

The American Dental Association recommends rice-sized toothpaste for children until age three. After three, you can increase the amount up to a pea-sized amount.

Step #2: The Proper Brushing Movement

Supervise your child while they brush and explain the proper technique. To brush each tooth thoroughly, use small circular motions. Make sure to brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.

Step #3: Brushing the Gums at the Correct Angle

To clean the gums, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush gently in circular motions. This will remove any bacteria and help prevent gum disease.

Step #4: Brushing the Back of the Teeth

Remember to brush the back of your child’s teeth. This is one area that’s often neglected and can lead to cavities. Hold the toothbrush vertically, pointing the head of the brush down towards the gum line, and gently brush back and forth.

Step #5: Brushing the Tongue

Brushing the tongue helps remove bacteria and freshens breath. Gently brush the surface of the tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Make sure your child brushes their teeth for two minutes twice a day. It can be helpful to have them brush along with you until they can do it independently. This helps ensure they’re brushing the right amount of time and working on all areas of the mouth.

Remind them to use firm yet gentle strokes, and encourage them to floss daily. That way, they can get into the habit of taking care of their teeth from an early age. They will thank you for it later!

Make It a Fun Activity, Not a Chore

Plenty of kids don’t like brushing their teeth, so make it a fun activity instead of a chore. You can use colorful toothbrushes and toothpaste with fun flavors to get them excited about brushing. It’s also helpful to set up a game or a song to time their brushing. This will help teach your children the importance of taking care of their oral health in an entertaining way.

Final Thoughts

Brushing your children’s teeth is an important habit to instill at a young age. Teaching them the proper way to brush their teeth and making it a fun activity will help ensure they take good care of their oral health for years to come.

For the best dental care, the dentists at Artistic Dental at the Biltmore are here to help. We specialize in preventive care, from routine check-ups to more advanced dental treatments. Contact us today to make an appointment for your child and start them on the path toward a lifetime of healthy smiles!