Helping Your Children Brush Their Teeth
As soon as a tooth erupts, it needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid the onset of tooth decay. After all, even babies can suffer from cavities, usually referred to as baby bottle decay. But with proper brushing habits, you can work with your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist to ensure little smiles stay strong and cavity-free.
Choosing a Toothbrush and Toothpaste
For babies, you can often find a soft toothbrush that fits over your finger, so you can easily clean their teeth. For toddlers, you can find age-appropriate options that are easy for them (and you) to use. Eventually, they’ll be able to buy the same kind as you. As long as they’re used correctly, you can use a manual or electric option. The toothpaste you choose is important too. You want one that contains fluoride, so look for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Kids under the age of three should use a rice sized amount, and those over the age of three need a pea sized blot.
Daily Cleaning
The teeth should be cleaned in the morning and then again at night. For babies and toddlers, gently clean the teeth and don’t let them nap with a bottle or sippy cup of milk or juice. As they grow older and more teeth arrive, they should brush for two minutes each time. You can often find fun songs and videos for them to watch or listen to, helping them brush for the recommended amount of time. This is also something adults struggle with, so you could brush your teeth at the same time! This should happen each and every day, removing tray food and drink particles to limit the risk of cavities and gingivitis.
What About Flossing?
As soon as there are teeth sitting next to one another, kids need to floss between them. For toddlers you can assist with a floss pick. As they grow older and dexterity improves, they can use floss tape or string like you. Be sure to floss up and down each side of the tooth and dip below the gum line each time. This removes what a toothbrush alone cannot, and helps protect little smiles from cavities, infections, and for toddler kids, the risk of gingivitis.
If you have any questions about caring for smiles each day, then contact our team today to learn more. We can help little smiles of all ages!
Your Dallas, TX, Dentist Helps Families Enjoy Healthy Smiles
We would like you and your kids to better understand their oral hygiene. If you have any questions about better homecare habits for kids of all ages, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Children's Dental Services