Brushing Up: A Parent's Guide to Properly Brushing Your Child's Teeth

Establishing great oral hygiene habits in childhood is one of the most important gifts you can give your kids, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. As parents, we know that teaching children the right way to brush can sometimes feel like a daily struggle.

But what if it could be easier and more effective?

At Clove Family Dental, we partner with parents every day to empower their children to take pride in their oral health. This guide provides expert-backed, easy-to-follow advice to make brushing a positive and successful part of your family's routine.

When Should I Start Brushing My Baby's Teeth?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer is: as soon as the first tooth appears! The journey to a healthy smile begins sooner than many parents think.

• Before Teeth: Even before the first tooth erupts, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends gently wiping your infant's gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings. This cleans the mouth and helps your baby get used to daily oral care.
• First Tooth & Beyond (around 6 months): Once that tiny first tooth makes its debut, it's time to graduate to an infant-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. You'll be doing the brushing, but you're creating a crucial daily habit.

What is the Correct Way to Brush My Child's Teeth?

As your child grows, so does their smile. Proper technique is key to preventing cavities and ensuring healthy gums. Our dental team recommends this proven method:

1. Use the Right Tools: Always choose a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles to protect their delicate gums and fit comfortably in their small mouth.
2. Get the Toothpaste Amount Right: This is critical.
   • Under 3 years old: Use a "smear" of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
   • Ages 3 to 6: A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is perfect.
3. Brush with Gentle Circles: Place the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums. Use gentle, circular motions on all surfaces of every tooth—outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Avoid aggressive back-and-forth scrubbing.
4. Two Minutes, Twice a Day: The gold standard for brushing time is two minutes, twice daily. It's essential for a thorough clean.
5. Clean the Tongue: Gently brush your child's tongue to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.
6. Spit, Don't Rinse: This is a pro tip! After brushing, have your child spit out the extra toothpaste but avoid rinsing with water immediately. This leaves a protective layer of fluoride on the teeth, maximizing its benefits.

Why is Fluoride Important for My Child?

Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter. This essential mineral strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acid attacks from sugar and bacteria that cause decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance is a fundamental part of your child's oral health defense.

How Can I Make Toothbrushing Fun?

Convincing a toddler to stand still for two minutes can be a challenge. Turning this daily "chore" into a fun activity can make all the difference.

• Lead by Example: Let your child see you brushing your teeth and making it a priority. Brush together to make it a family activity.
• Use a Timer or Song: Play a favorite two-minute song or use a fun sand timer. Many toothbrushing apps can also turn brushing into an exciting game.
• Give Them a Choice: Allowing your child to pick their own ADA-approved toothbrush and toothpaste flavor gives them a sense of control and ownership.
• Praise and Reward: Positive reinforcement works wonders. A sticker on a chart or simple praise for "sparkly, clean teeth" can build positive associations.

When Can My Child Brush Their Teeth by Themselves?

While fostering independence is fantastic, most children lack the fine motor skills to brush effectively on their own until they are about 7 or 8 years old. A good indicator is if they can tie their own shoes, they likely have the dexterity to begin brushing solo.

Even then, we recommend supervising their brushing and doing a final "touch-up" to ensure no spots are missed, especially the back molars.

Your Partner in your Child’s Dental Health

Following these guidelines will help your child build an excellent oral hygiene routine. However, at-home care is just one piece of the puzzle. Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring your child's development, providing professional cleanings, and catching any potential issues early.

The friendly and caring team at Clove Family Dental is here to support your family every step of the way.

Ready to schedule your child's next check-up or have more questions? Contact our office today!

• Call Us: (469) 240-5520
• Visit Us: 4271 Esplanade Pl, STE102, Flower Mound, TX 75028
• Book Online: www.clovefamilydental.com

Image Source: Rothen, M.L. (2019). Oral Hygiene and Prevention for CSHCN. In: Nelson, T., Webb, J. (eds) Dental Care for Children with Special Needs. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-10483-2_7