Tooth Brushing for Kids

27 Sep Tooth Brushing for Kids

What You Should Know about Tooth Brushing for Kids

As soon as your child has a tooth, they can visit a dentist! Regular check-ups every 6 months are a great habit to get your children into, as prevention is always better than cure.

But how do you care for your kids’ teeth in between visits?

Here are 7 tooth brushing tips and tricks every parent should know:

• You can begin brushing with a soft toothbrush from 12 months old (or earlier) with just water.
• Introduce a pea-sized amount of toothpaste at 18 months. Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste for those aged 6 and up. Kids under 6 can use appropriate kids’ toothpastes.
• Your child should brush for 2 minutes, twice a day. Can’t get your kids to brush for 2 minutes? Try using a timer on your phone, or play your favourite song for 2 minutes to time you.
• To establish a routine, we recommend brushing after breakfast and before going to bed.
• Have your little one sit in your lap facing away from you, or stand behind taller children. Tilt their head back towards you so that you have a clear view of their teeth.
• Use little circles to clean teeth at the front, back, sides, along the inside of the mouth and the tongue too.
• Try to get your kids to floss each night before brushing. If they don’t know how, you can help them or have them use a flossette (floss on a tick). Not sure how to floss properly? Watch this!