Brushing Teeth

As a parent, you want what's best for your child. You want them to learn how to walk and talk. You want them to do well in school. You want them to be healthy. Part of being healthy is developing good oral hygiene practices.

When your child is a baby, you will be in charge of those practices. You can use a clean cloth to clean your baby's gums after feedings, and once your baby has teeth, you can use a specialized baby toothbrush to clean those teeth. As your child grows older, they can take over the responsibility of brushing. To make certain that they brush correctly two times a day, you will want to make sure your children understand how important it is to brush their teeth every day.

The Development of Baby Teeth

For the first six months of your baby's life, they won't have any teeth. Remember to be cleaning those gums, though, with a soft finger brush or a warm, clean washcloth after feeding time. Most babies get their first teeth between six to twelve months. Don't be alarmed if your child has no teeth by their first birthday—they may just be a little late, and that's perfectly normal.

The first teeth to erupt are usually the lower front teeth, also known as lower central incisors). Teeth continue to come in over time, and children usually have a full set of teeth by the time they turn three. Teething doesn't usually cause much pain for children. If your child is, however, uncomfortable, you can offer a clean wet or frozen washcloth or a solid teething ring (not liquid-filled). If your child continues to experience discomfort, talk to your pediatrician about an age- and weight-appropriate amount of acetaminophen (if under six months) or ibuprofen (if over six months).

Caring for Baby Teeth

By the time your child is six months old, you can introduce fluoride into their diet. Fluoride can help prevent cavities and ensure your child's teeth stay healthy. Fluoride is often in tap water, so you can just give your child water in a sippy cup. If there isn't fluoride in your tap water, it can be offered as a daily supplement.

Once your child's first tooth is in, you can begin brushing twice a day. Be sure to use a baby toothbrush and just a smear of toothpaste with fluoride (about the size of a grain of rice). It's especially important to brush your child's teeth after the last feeding/meal of the day. Remember to avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle—this can lead to tooth decay.

By the age of three, you can introduce a larger amount of toothpaste on your child's brush, about the size of a pea. You can also begin encouraging your child to spit out any excess toothpaste or water after brushing. Start flossing your child's teeth as soon as they have two teeth that are side by side. Parents should monitor the amount of toothpaste being used once a child begins brushing their own teeth. A parent should be a helper/observer for tooth brushing until a child is between six and eight years of age.

Independence

Keep in mind that each child is different. Some kids may be ready to take control of their own brushing by the age of six. Other kids may take a bit longer to reach a state of independence. Additionally, some kids may be more diligent about their dental hygiene than others.

As your child grows older, you can model and teach the correct technique for brushing. At Dr. Beanca Chu’s office, we recommend the following:

  • Hold the brush at an angle to catch both teeth and gums.
  • Brush in a circular motion from back to front on both the top and bottom teeth.
  • Don't forget the chewing surfaces of those back teeth!
  • Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside part of teeth and gums.
  • Brush the top of the tongue to clear bacteria from the surface.
  • Spit out excess toothpaste; no need to rinse, however, as leftover toothpaste can help protect teeth.

Taking care of teeth can be fun! Allow your child to pick out a fun toothbrush to use. There are many different kid-friendly brushes to choose from. Your child can pick a brush that features a favorite character or a favorite color. Toothpaste, too, can be fun. If their toothpaste is a flavor they love, your child may be more willing to brush. Your child should understand the importance of brushing their teeth every day. Go over the basics with them about the benefits of taking care of their teeth—fewer or no cavities and a beautiful smile. They should know that if they treat their teeth well, that care will follow them as they get older.

Experts recommend that children brush for at least two minutes each time they brush. This can seem like a very long time for a child. Make it fun! Set a timer and brush with them. Put on some music and dance while you brush. Create a reward system and offer stickers each time your child brushes properly—maybe the stickers can be collected for a reward. Don't forget to floss! Use a clean piece of floss for each tooth (or plastic flossers) and start in the back and move forward. You will need to be the flosser at the start (when they are three or four). It will take a while for your child to develop the dexterity to floss on their own. Just like toothpaste, floss comes in a variety of flavors, so be sure to pick one your child will enjoy.

Your Child's Teeth, Our Top Priority

Here at Dr. Beanca Chu's office in Huntington Beach, your child's teeth are our top priority. We can help you and your child to learn the best ways to take care of their teeth—and every six months, we can check to make sure your child's teeth are in tip-top shape.

If you're looking for a great pediatric dentist in the Huntington Beach, CA, area, contact us for an appointment today.