Pediatric dentistry is an essential part of children’s health care. Proper oral care consists of regular dental visits for cleanings, checkups, and fluoride treatments, and an effective at-home oral hygiene routine. In this article, we discuss essential brushing and flossing tips for kids.
Brushing and Flossing Tips for Kids
Establishing an effective oral hygiene routine from an early age will help your kid maintain their oral and overall health and avoid costly treatments in the years to come. Let us look at several of the most effective brushing and flossing tips and techniques for kids.
Encourage Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits
To encourage your kid to brush and floss their teeth regularly and thoroughly, we recommend making the practice fun from the very beginning. You can use your kid’s favorite toys, stuffed animals, games, stories, and challenges to engage them and make them look forward to their oral hygiene routine.
In addition, there are illustrated kids’ books about dental hygiene and dental visits that can help educate your child about the importance of the routine in a fun way and encourage them to keep up with the practice.
Avoid scolding or punishing your kid for not brushing or flossing their teeth properly, as it will only prevent the habit from forming. Positive reinforcement and creating positive associations around an oral hygiene routine are always much more effective at establishing this healthy habit for life. Even if your kid’s brushing and flossing technique isn’t perfect at first, consistency is what matters most.
Teach Your Kid Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques
Just as adults, children should brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, spending at least two minutes each time, and floss every evening.
To brush correctly, follow these steps:
- Apply a rice-sized amount of toothpaste for kids under three and a pea-sized amount for kids over three.
- Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums, or teach your child how to hold the brush if they are old enough.
- Gently brush in small circular motions or supervise your kid doing so
- Clean all surfaces: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
- Brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
- Make sure your kid does not swallow the toothpaste.
To floss correctly, follow these steps:
- Use about 18 inches of dental floss
- Wrap most of the floss around the middle fingers
- Gently slide the floss between teeth using a sawing motion
- Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth
- Move the floss up and down along the side of the tooth and under the gumline
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth
If using traditional floss is challenging for your kid, floss picks or floss holders may make the process easier and more comfortable.
Additionally, you can ask your pediatric dentist to show your kid how to brush and floss properly.
Use Kid-friendly Products
Choosing oral care products designed specifically for children can make brushing and flossing easier, safer, and more enjoyable:
- Opt for a children’s toothbrush that is smaller and comfortable to hold for your kid
- Use a soft-bristle brush that gently cleans teeth without irritating the gum tissue
- Choose a colorful toothbrush or one that features fun characters
- Opt for fluoride toothpaste made for kids, as it contains the appropriate fluoride levels for developing teeth and often comes in mild, pleasant flavors that encourage consistent use.
Make an Appointment at Valley Alder
Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment for your child with a friendly pediatric dentist at Valley Alder. At our office, we strive to create a stress-free atmosphere for patients of all ages. We are looking forward to your visit.
