Healthy Teeth Brushing Tips

Posted March 13, 2020

One of the first hygiene practices that parents teach to kids is how to brush their teeth- and with good reasoning! A child’s dental health is incredibly important, as it can not only affect their smiles, but their overall health, as well. At Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda, we recognize the importance of allowing your children to maintain their dental hygiene habits on their own, but we also recognize that there are likely areas that could be improved when it comes to their routine. So, in today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist will share some tips to help your children brush their teeth more effectively.

Use a Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is your first line of defense in the fight against cavities, so, as long as your child is old enough to remember to spit out their toothpaste instead of swallowing it, we recommend using a fluoridated toothpaste. Of course, we know that there are concerns surrounding fluoride, as too much of a good thing is usually not great, but so long as your child is not eating toothpaste for fun, this cavity fighting, naturally occurring mineral will be their greatest ally against needing fillings in the future.

Don’t Press Too Hard

It makes sense to kids (and to many adults) that brushing your teeth harder should produce better results in a shorter amount of time. However, it is important to remind your children that brushing their teeth too hard can actually scrape their teeth and gums, which can make them hurt and even make them more likely to get cavities if they scrape away the hard outer part of their teeth, the enamel. Using a softer hand and a toothbrush with soft bristles cleans their teeth just as well without those dangers.

Get a Toothbrush Your Child Likes

We know that getting a new toothbrush every time your child decides they want to show off their love for a new cartoon character is not a very sustainable approach to dental health. However, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months, and it is important when choosing a new one that they like the toothbrush, as it will inspire them to actually use it. Tooth brushing feels like less of a chore when the toothbrush looks attractive or is fun to use, and a toothbrush your child likes can end up saving you time and money that would have gone to restorative care in the future because they will be more likely to keep up with their routine.

Store It Properly

Lastly, we encourage you to remind your child to store their toothbrush in a dry place with the bristles facing up so that it can fully dry. This will prevent your child’s toothbrush from holding onto any bacteria and even viruses that thrive in damp environments, keeping your child healthy and smiling.

Let Us Help You!

Good dental hygiene at home is super important, and so are professional checkups and cleanings in our office! If your child is due for a visit, schedule an appointment by calling Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX today at 214-321-4880. We proudly serve patients who live around Casa Linda and all surrounding Dallas communities.