Begin daily brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth appears.

Use a non-fluoride toothpaste during their toddler years, then a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it.

By age 4 or 5, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day with supervision. We recommend you supervise your children until about age seven to make sure they are doing a thorough job. However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the child has the skill level to brush properly.

Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces.

When teaching children to brush, place a soft bristle brush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line. Then move the brush in a gentle circular motion. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower. Repeat the same method on the inside surfaces and chewing surfaces of all the teeth. Finish by brushing the tongue to help freshen breath and remove bacteria.

Advertisement

Flossing removes plaque between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.

Flossing should begin when any two teeth touch. You should floss the child’s teeth until he or she can do it alone. Use about 18 inches of floss, winding most of it around the middle fingers of both hands. Hold the floss lightly between the thumbs and forefingers. Use a gentle, back-and-forth motion to guide the floss between the teeth.

Curve the floss into a C-shape and slide it into the space between the gum and tooth until you feel resistance. Gently scrape the floss against the side of the tooth. Repeat this procedure on each tooth. Don’t forget the backs of the last four teeth.

These information is provided by our friends at:

Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics

We don’t just care for smiles, we create them. Your One-Stop Shop for a Perfect Smile.

From brushing to braces, they have everything you need conveniently under one roof! They are fanatical about creating a lifetime of happy smiles and believe that when kids enjoy the dentist, healthy teeth and gums will follow. Their mission is to deliver the best pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care possible. Visit their website at https://www.kidscaredental.com

Advertisement

You can view more post in our health category blog. Also, check out our huge listing of Dentists in the Sacramento area for your kids.