Helping Your Kids Improve Their Brushing

Posted March 22, 2021

Children need to brush their teeth each day, just like you do! These actions help them enjoy better oral health and avoid major complications down the road, many of which could even cause dental misalignment! In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist will talk about better brushing habits for children of all ages.

Why We Need to Brush Your Teeth

Over time, harmful oral bacteria will consume the particles left behind by the foods and drinks we consume. This process elevates oral acidity, creates a foul odor, and coats the teeth in plaque buildup. Unable to be removed with brushing and flossing alone, plaque eventually hardens into tartar and along the way, weakens outer enamel and inflames gum tissues. The result is a greater risk of tooth decay and gingivitis! However, with routine brushing habits, you limit how much plaque can accumulate on a child’s smile until a cleaning visit, during which we remove all plaque and tartar completely.

Picking the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Using a toothbrush properly helps ensure bright teeth, fresh breath, and better oral health. For babies, you may select an option that fits over your finger, or you could use a bit of cloth or gauze to clean the teeth in the morning and before bed. As your child reaches the toddler years, you can pick an age-appropriate one with their favorite cartoon characters on them. For older kids, again help them choose an age-appropriate one, and you could even choose electric or manual.

We suggest the toothbrush contain soft bristles, as this helps prevent inadvertent damage to the enamel if your child brushes too hard. Each session should take about two minutes, and you may need to assist your younger children and monitor your older ones. You can find songs, podcasts, apps, or even an hourglass to time them and make it fun. For the toothpaste, we suggest one that contains fluoride, which strengthens the outer enamel. Use a rice-sized bit each time.

Dental Cleaning Visits

Every six months, we will use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to remove all plaque and tartar completely, so your child enjoys a reduced risk of cavities and gingivitis. If you have any questions about caring for little smiles from home, or about scheduling a checkup and cleaning visit, then contact our team today. We want to help your family enjoy their best possible smiles!

Do You Have Questions About Better Homecare?

Our team wants to make sure you and your family are maintaining good oral hygiene habits from home. To learn more about keeping little smiles clean, then  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.