4 Useful Tips for Helping Your Child Brush Their Teeth

Your smile is often the first feature that strangers notice about you—and the same goes for your child’s smile! And the secret to a white and bright grin is brushing your teeth every single day; however, young children often need careful guidance and gentle assistance when learning how to care for their pearly whites. Here are four useful tips from your trusted pediatric dentist to guide you as you begin brushing your child’s teeth so that you can ensure they remain as resplendent and healthy as possible!

Tip #1. Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth as Soon as They Come In

This might come as a surprise, but it’s wise to begin brushing your child’s teeth before they even come in. You can use a clean, damp washcloth to gently wipe down your baby’s gums after feeding sessions to prevent bacterial growth. Once their first few teeth begin to poke through (which generally occurs between 6 months to 14 months of age), switch to a gentle toothbrush that’ll effectively remove bacteria and plaque.

Tip #2. Educate Them on Why Brushing Is Important

When your child is old enough, they might begin to question why it’s even necessary to brush their teeth in the first place—especially if their baby teeth are meant to eventually fall out! However, you must make sure the message is clear; it’s not just about the teeth, but rather, all of the oral structures. Gum disease, which affects your soft oral tissues, is just as large of a threat as issues like decay or cavities that affect only teeth. By ensuring a healthy baseline for their mouth moving forward, your child is far less likely to encounter future issues that might prove painful and expensive to address.

Tip #3. Give Your Child Agency Throughout the Brushing Process

No one likes being told exactly what to do—and your child might initially show some resistance when it comes to diligently brushing and flossing daily. One way you can address this is by granting your child as much control as possible regarding the brushing process. Allow them to choose their toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and other accessories—these items come in all sorts of exciting, kid-friendly varieties that make oral hygiene more enticing for youngsters.

Tip #4. Encourage the Correct Brushing Technique

Brushing teeth is a relatively easy task for an adult; however, what seems normal for us isn’t always natural for kids. Be sure that your child is brushing at least twice a day using a proper technique; they should be brushing in tiny circles on the gums and the teeth, for about 2 minutes each session. The molars also need special attention since they’re more at risk for cavities. Even though they’ll need your help at first, over time, you’ll eventually pass on correct brushing methods and hygiene practices to them.

Of course, brushing at home is only part of the equation. You should also be sure that your child has attended their first dental checkup by no later than their first birthday—this visit will be the first of many and ultimately ensures that the hard work your little one is doing at home isn’t wasted.

About the Practice

The talented team at Kids Dentist is honored to serve the dental needs of families in the Grayslake, IL community. The practice is fortunate to house four skilled specialists: Dr. Sonia Gutierrez, Dr. Dave Rutcosky, Dr. Sahar Alrayyes, and Dr. Anne-Ashley Compton. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to schedule an appointment for your little one, you can contact the practice through their website or by telephone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (847) 223-1400.